Casey Wayne

I have two very distinct phases of my faith walk. While in middle school I came to truly know and understand the Gospel. Thanks to my Mom’s faith walk and my curiosity, we came to have a discussion where God opened my eyes and heart to Christ’s sacrifice. I rested in that truth of my salvation for a long time. Until I entered young adulthood and the realities of applying my faith to real life was realized. It began my process of sanctification where I finally became intentional about placing God at the center of my life, giving Christ his rightful place as Savior and Lord over my life.

As Christ followers our faith walk will include both freedom and obedience. Though those two terms sound like they counteract each other, God calls us to both. In his kindness God gives us the gift of grace and hope through Christ’s sacrifice. Then, in light of our salvation he calls us into a deeper relationship with him where our obedience will be blessed. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17 says, “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” The story of the Gospel heals our soul and restores our relationship with our heavenly Father. Knowing and accepting the gift of Christ’s sacrifice allows us to live in the freedom that we all fall short of perfection, but because of Jesus we can live in the strength and wisdom of God instead of our own (Proverbs 3:5-6).

With our salvation we step through the door into a relationship with the Almighty who loves us more than we can imagine. It is an exciting step which rushes in hope and peace. But to truly be a Christ-follower we must not stop there. We are called to become more like Christ. The Holy Spirit should become our guide as we pursue obedience to God’s purposes for our life (Galatians 5:1-16). As we walk through life, good and bad, we should always be pursuing the wisdom and discernment God offers us. Wherever you are in your faith walk, I pray that you strive for spiritual growth and to deepen your relationship with your heavenly Father. We must never stop growing. Ephesians 3:19 Paul prays for the Church saying. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” This is what I pray for all of us.