Steve Arterburn

Much like the unfortunate humpback whale calf in Australia who mistook a large boat for his mother, each of us feels the need–and it’s a very real need–to be saved; that is, to be nourished, protected, comforted, and led both powerfully and safely through a life filled with the potential for peril. And again, just like the whale calf, each of us stands in danger of following the wrong savior; that is, someone or something that seems to possess the ability to deliver us, but in fact cannot. Just think about it for a moment.

Our world is full of competing voices, all clamoring for our trust and allegiance. ‘Invest here, vote for me, trust in this, here’s a hope you can really believe in,’ they all say.

But amidst this din, one voice distinguishes itself from the rest. It’s the voice of Jesus Christ. Listen to what he says: ‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one’ (John 10:27-30).

My friends, the longing you feel deep within your heart–some
of you feel this need quite palpably, though others surely try to quell it–for a savior is a longing that only Jesus Christ can fulfill. Other voices call for your allegiance, but they make promises and create hopes that they cannot and will not deliver. It is Christ’s voice, and his voice alone, that you must tune your ear to. It is his voice that you can trust; it is his voice that you must hearken to and heed. Jesus Christ will lead you through the rough-and-tumble wilderness of this world, and he will never leave or forsake you. He is altogether worthy of your faith, your hope, and your love.

For more help see our Healing is a Choice resources. Also please prayerfully consider attending our next New Life Weekend.