February 21

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. — Gal 2:20 BSB

Many of God’s saints may not feel as highly favored as to take up Paul’s strong language of personal assurance. They may hope, and at times rise beyond hope, into a sweet confidence by the shining of the Sun of righteousness that the Son of God has loved them and given Himself for them. But the strength of Paul’s conviction, his full persuasion, often surpasses their assurance and expression, so that many sincere saints feel they fall short in both heart and speech. Yet, their falling short of this blessed certainty in heart and word does not affect the reality.

Clouds and mists may obscure the sun, but they do not erase it from the sky. Similarly, unbelief’s doubts and fears may obscure the Sun of righteousness, but they do not erase Him from the spiritual heavens. He still loves you and gave Himself for you who believe in His name, even if you cannot rise to Paul’s level of faith or speak with such assurance. The bud has the same connection to the vine as the branch, though not with the same strength. The babe is as much a member of the family as the grown child but has less knowledge of the relationship. The foot is as much a part of the body as the eye or hand, though not as close to the head or as honored.