This is What I Know for Sure

Originally published June 29, 2011

If you have watched Oprah in recent years, the title of this post probably sounds familiar to you.  “What do you know for sure?” became one of Oprah’s favorite questions to ask her guests.  I hesitate to say I am an Oprah fan, because I don’t always agree with her politics and religion, but I did enjoy her show.  She got the best guests and got my attention with many thought-provoking topics.  I did not watch every day, but I did try to record the shows that sounded interesting to watch when I was doing laundry or ironing or cooking.  I got a little behind and I just now finished watching the last show.  The hoopla of it all gave me alot to think about .  The second and third-to-last episodes were an arena spectacle that was “all hail the queen” in grandeur.  Only the biggest celebrities and best surprises to bid Oprah farewell.  What gave me pause for thought was the over-the-top hero worship and adulation.  During one segment, Stevie Wonder was singing “Isn’t She Lovely” to the tops in talk and the camera panned to a fan holding her hands up as if she was in church.  Oprah often talked about her belief in God.  She calls herself a Christian and claims Jesus as her savior (she spoke about this at length in the very last show – that can only be described as a sermon), but I know from other things that she has said and done that her brand of Christianity is very different from mine.  Because of this, I feel compelled to tell you WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE.

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23  I have messed up, and I continue to mess up on a constant basis.  Because God is perfect and holy, he cannot associate with sin.  I deserve an eternity separated from God here on earth and after death.  

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8  God doesn’t want to be separated from me or you.  He sent His Son Jesus to die in my place (and yours).  Jesus took our sin on Himself so that God sees us as holy.  We can have relationship with Him and live with Him in heaven after this life is over.  

“…if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;”  Romans 10:9  To accept God’s gift of forgiveness of sins, all we have to do is ask Him to be Lord over us.  To give your life over to His leading is to have eternal life.  

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9  It is impossible to be good enough to earn salvation. It is freely given by God when we love Him and put our trust in Him.  Only because of God’s great love and mercy do we have this option.  

These are the things I know for sure.  What I don’t know is how anyone survives this hard life without the Savior’s guidance.  I know I could not parent a child with Dravet Syndrome if He was not holding my hand every step of the way.  I know some of you reading also have a child with Dravet, but many do not.  I’ve been around the block enough times to know that we each have trials and troubles – major ones, minor ones, life changing ones.  God cares about each and every one and He longs to help you and comfort you through them.  If you aren’t sure you know these things, and aren’t sure you know Jesus Christ as your Savior, please send me a private note at sparksbefit@verizon.net.  There is nothing in the world more important that I would wish to talk with you about.  To God be the Glory!