"But to the one who does not work, but believes on him who declares the ungodly to be righteous, his faith is credited for righteousness." -Romans 4:5

Imagine being stranded in the middle of the ocean with no way home. You could try to build your own boat, give up hope, or simply enjoy the time you have left. But what if you knew someone was looking for you? What if you knew rescue was coming?



That’s the picture Paul gives us for our relationship with God. We are lost because of sin, and there is nothing we can do to rescue ourselves. Being good, following rules, going to church, or doing religious things cannot erase our sin. Abraham understood this. He wasn’t made right with God because of what he did. He believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness.

That is good news for us because salvation has never been about being good enough. It has always been about trusting the One who is good enough for us—Jesus. He lived the perfect life we could never live, died for the sins we could never repay, and rose again so that we could have new life.

We don't earn rescue. We receive it by faith.

Reflect

• What are some things you are tempted to rely on instead of Jesus?
• Do you find it easier to trust your own efforts or God’s grace?
• What would it look like for you to trust Jesus more fully this week?

Pray:
Jesus, thank You for rescuing me when I could never rescue myself. Help me stop relying on my own goodness and trust completely in what You have done for me. Thank You that I don’t have to earn Your forgiveness. Help my faith in You shape the way I live each day. Amen.