Though it blows my mind, I can’t believe I’ve reached this stage in my life.  I guess it’s okay.  I can look back at my life and see God’s hand and grace.  He still has a lot of work to do.  The primary thing He has taught me is this:  Tom, you need the Gospel every day of your life. 

You Need the Gospel When You Doubt, when you wonder whether God is even there, the Good News that Christ died in your place will remind you that your life is not about you.  It’s about Him.  

You Need the Gospel When You’re on Top of the World and you feel like you’ve got it all together. You’re kicking it.  Fantastic.  Keep on keeping on, but do it with your eyes on the cross.

You Need the Gospel When You Fall and sin comes into your life.  You’ve repented, but the memories are still there saying you’re unworthy of God’s forgiveness.  You need the Gospel.  It’s greater than any sin you’ve committed.  Nothing - nothing can separate you from Christ Jesus once you are His.

You Need the Gospel When You Fail and the enemy whispers lies, claiming that you’re now defined by this failure.  Fight back with the Gospel.  The Gospel has given you a glorious new identity in Christ.  What is Christ’s is now yours.  His righteousness is your righteousness; His love is your love.  This is who you are.

You Need the Gospel When Others Fail You.  Every relationship has one thing in common:  it involves two sinful humans.  Even the deepest of friendships has its share of sin-scars.  On days when those scars are fresh, you need the Gospel.  

You Need the Gospel When Trials (Big or Small) Come.  I don’t know what shape suffering will take in your life.  God may ask you to suffer greatly.  If He does you will need more than the few words I can offer here.  However, allow me to offer a few brief words.  

When suffering comes for you (and it will), look up.   Remember your Savior.  Christ suffered God’s infinite, eternal wrath.  Run to Him.  What you’re asked to endure, will not be as great as what He suffered for you.  He knows and He cares.  Remember eternity.  What darkness you walk through here is temporary.  The Gospel is eternal life.  The hardship you face now is but for “a little while.” (1 Peter 1:6) Cling to the hope of heaven!  Remember your God.  In the Gospel, we find God’s character: compassion, forgiveness, grace, mercy, steadfast love and faithfulness.  The God who saved you is the God who keeps you.  He is for you.  Look to Him.  This I know!!  You and I need the Gospel today, tomorrow, and every day of our lives.      Tom