Assurance - What is it, and what does it look like? On my online dictionary, the first definition of assurance is "a statement or indication that inspires confidence; a guarantee or pledge". How many times has a statement inspired, but later didn't really hold up. "This product is so amazing everyone can find a use for it. It will sell itself". If that had been a sure thing, there wouldn't be 50 of them still in the back of the closet. I guarantee you that if you will take this new diet product you will loose weight. Eat what you want + No exercise = additional pounds GAINED and $100s gone. I pledge to you until "death do us part". The divorce rate among Christians is the same as non-Christians. Okay, so the first definition doesn't really hold up. Let's look at the second definition. "freedom from doubt; self-confidence." What can I be totally confident in my self for? I'm wise with money, but I make mistakes. I was a good driver...never been given a ticket, but I haven't driven in over 3 years! I love me kids, but maybe they don't receive all I do as love. Am I a good wife, friend, sister, daughter? Maybe, but am I good enough? I doubt it; there will always be something I could do to be better. Therefore, this definition leaves something lacking as well! SO, what can I have assurance in? Most of the time I can rest assured that if I put my clothes in the washer they will come out clean...that is if I have water and if the electricity stays on. If I take the 11üs bus, I will arrive at Matt's office...that is if one will come by my bus stop. If I want to call my mom, I know I can simply use MajicJack....that is if the Internet is working. Yes, I think you know where I am going with this now. The examples can go on and on. I cannot think of any earthly thing on which to place my assurance. I am so thankful that the Bible says, "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." Psalm 94:19 God is always there; He keeps His promises even when we don't; If we have a relationship with His son, we can be saved! These are things that we can have assurance in. Last month, I went over to my Turkish mom's house for Mother's Day. She had her sister visiting. "D" is over 80 and very ill. She has had 3 strokes; she has diabetes; she has had a stint put in her heart....and the list goes on. "D" is staying with my "mom" so that she can get therapy in-order to regain the use of her right side. She is making great progress, but realizes that "it could just happen again." She has no assurance in having good health again. She told me that she was happy to have the strength to do "namaz". (Islamic prayers - you have to kneel a special way.) She admittedly has no assurance; however, that what she does with her life will be "enough" to guarantee eternity in paradise. As best I could, with respect and love, I shared about my assurance and how happy I was that life in paradise did not depend on me. She was so glad for me. She even said that I was such a "good lady, wife and mom that she knew what I said was right. She wished it could be so for her." Again, I tried to tell her that Christ desires a relationship with all peoples. Sadly, she just smiled and said, "İnşallah" (If God wills it to be so.) That evening, watching her sleep on the couch in the living room was almost more than I could bare. Many times I had to choke back tears before talking to the others in the room. I wanted to say more....I needed to say more. I so desperately wanted to give this precious women some assurance, but I could not. Assurance only comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 
John 3:15-16, "That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Romans 4:5, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
John 10:28, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
Ephesians 2:8-10, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
1 John 5:13, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. " And, of course, these are not the only verses in scripture that give us hope and assurance. God's promises go on and on. I pray that I am given another opportunity to share with "D". Even more than me, I know God desperately wants to give her rest and assurance in a relationship with Himself. Please join me in prayer, that her eyes will be open and her heart receptive to His truth. Also, if there is anyone reading this blog that has questions or is unsure how to have assurance in Christ, you are welcome to contact me. His love and assurance is for all. AT
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