I've Got It!

Key Bible Verse: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (Romans 8:16)

After staring at the board for 20 minutes, Josh could not figure out his next move. He sensed there were possibilities, but, what were they? He thought, “I can’t see it. I can’t see it.” In the distance his teacher whispered to himself (as if Josh could read his mind), “don’t move until you see it. Don’t move until you see it.” His teacher knew exactly what the next six moves should be; however, he was not the one playing the game. Finally it clicked. Josh said to himself, “I’ve got it!” He knew what to do. Six moves later his opponent turned his king over. (From the movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer)

Those “ah ha” moments are wonderful to experience. I suspect the greatest realization moment is when an individual receives assurance that he/she is a child of God. When they recognized they have been justified (put in right standing) as a result of God’s “grace” (unmerited favor). There was nothing to be done to earn this grace. All that was required was to have “faith” (confident belief) that this was a reality (Ephesians: 2:8-9). Assurance is not based on our changing moods, but, on the word of God. For some that moment comes during an intense experience; for others it is slowly given. John Wesley wrote in his journal of his struggle to know if he was saved. Here is the way the Spirit finally testified to his spirit: “But, this I know, I have peace with God.” (The Journal of John Wesley, published by Moody Press, Chicago, page 65.) What a wonderful moment to be able to say with confidence “I’ve got it!”

My response: Lord, thank you for the realization that I am a child of yours.

Thought to Apply: I will remind myself today that I have been justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and I have received assurance that this is true for my life.

Just for Fun: In this diagram it is White’s move. Can you see a checkmate?