Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil – the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) – Ephesians 2:1–5
A farmer went to meet with his banker and announced that he had some bad news and some good news. “First, the bad news… I can’t make my mortgage payments. And that crop loan I’ve taken out for the past 10 years – I can’t pay that off, either. Not only that, I won’t be able to pay you the couple of hundred thousand I still have outstanding on my tractors and other equipment. So I’m going to have to give up the farm and turn it all over to you for whatever you can salvage out of it.”
After a few moments of silence, the banker said, “What’s the good news?”
“The good news is that I’m going to keep on banking with you.”
With so much bad news in the world today, it’s often true that the good news you receive does very little to make you feel better. Yet the greatest news of all, that which is found in Scripture, is the one piece of Good News that can counteract any bad news you’ll hear.
What is this Good News? It’s the simple fact that if you’re in Christ, He’s saved you. He’s brought you out of the depths of sin and despair and has raised you up to be alive with Him. That’s fantastic news!
So whenever you feel overwhelmed by bad news, remember that Christ died for you, and in Him, you have eternal life!
Prayer Challenge
Thank God for the Good News that Christ has died for you, giving you eternal life through faith in Him!
Questions for Thought
How has God’s Word helped you deal with bad news?
Is there someone in your life dealing with a tough situation for whom you can provide encouragement with the gospel?