Jesus Is Our Lifeline - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 2
The Crosswalk Devotional
Audio By Carbonatix
By Alexis A. Goring, Crosswalk.com
Jesus Is Our Lifeline
By Alexis A. Goring
Bible Reading:
“We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.” - Hebrews 6:18-20 (MSG)
A few years ago, while waiting to be seen in a hospital, I stepped into the women’s restroom and saw something that inspired this devotional: a lifeline. It was a red label with white-inked words instructing me to pull the attached red string if I needed help. The sight of this made me think about how Jesus Christ is our lifeline.
Earlier this year, I saw a reel via Instagram of a young girl around age 11 or 12. She was captured on camera rushing onto the concert stage before security could catch her and embracing her favorite singer. Prior to this, I could see that the singer was performing at a calm, steady pace as she walked across the stage, holding the microphone near her face. When the young girl rushed onto the stage, the singer wasn’t fazed. She let the young girl wrap her arms around her waist and rest her head on her midsection as she leaned in for a tight hug that obviously meant the world to her. This girl received a 10-second embrace before security reached her and carried her away.
When I saw this reel, it spoke volumes to me because it helped me realize several things. I realized that I have been there before because I have had favorite singers over the years—both secular and Christian—and I know what it’s like to cope with their music to the point where it feels like your favorite singer and their songs are your lifeline. When feeling sad or depressed, I would listen to a song that served as catharsis for my feelings, working it out of my system until I felt better.
It was obvious to me that the singer in the Instagram reel was that young girl’s lifeline. Her music must have brought this girl through tough times and inspired her heart. Whether feeling happy or sad, this singer’s songs were obviously the soundtrack to her fans’ lives. It was obvious that she loved this musician with all her heart. It was also clear that this singer appreciated her fans because she let this girl hug her for more than a second without pushing her away.
Jesus Christ also never pushes us away. And unlike any human—famous singer or not—He is our true lifeline. Only Jesus can save our souls. And He gave us a beautiful way to reach Him as our lifeline. That gift is prayer.
I follow a page on Instagram that’s hosted by Ellie Mont. Last year, she said something very profound about prayer being our lifeline. These are a few quotes from her post on Instagram that support my devotional message today:
First, she acknowledges that life can be hard for most people. Mont said, “Life often feels like a series of challenges and roadblocks that drain our strength. We try to be strong, to figure it all out on our own, but sometimes it just feels like too much. In those moments, we must remember we do not walk alone.”
Second, she reminds us that Jesus walks with us. She also delivers a powerful line about the gift God gave us to reach Him and communicate with Him. Mont said, “Prayer is more than a religious habit or a last resort. It is a lifeline. It is a personal conversation with the God who created you, who sees everything you face, and who cares about every detail of your life. When you cannot handle the weight of your problems, you can bring them to the One who can. God does not ask you to be perfect. He asks you to come to Him just as you are.”
Third, Mont reminds us that God wants to hear our hearts no matter how we feel or how messy it seems. She said, “You can be honest with Him. You can tell Him your fears, your doubts, your confusion, and your pain. There is nothing too small or too big for God to handle. He is not bothered by your questions or your tears. He welcomes them. He is a Father who wants to help you and walk with you through every season.”
Finally, Mont gives us a word of encouragement for when we feel too discouraged to pray. She said, “Don’t let discouragement silence your voice. Do not let fear steal your hope. Keep praying. Keep trusting. God hears every word, even the ones you cannot say out loud. He sees your heart, and He is working even when you do not see it. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are not powerless. You are loved by a God who listens.”
In closing, I’d like to say: Be careful not to make a human or anything that is not God your god or your lifeline, because there is only one true God and one way to heaven. The way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6). He is our lifeline. We need to cling to Christ more than we cling to anybody or anything else.
Before you go, please listen to these four songs (below) and reflect on the lyrics.
Song of Reflection #1: “Lifeline” by Mandisa. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #2: “That’s Who You Are” (Original song by Megan Tibbits). Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #3: “Don’t Stop Praying” by Matthew West. Listen to it HERE.
Song of Reflection #4: “Jesus Walks with Me” by Be Still Studios. Listen to it HERE.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
How does it feel to know that Jesus Christ is our Lifeline? What have you been clinging to more than Christ?
Further Reading:
Luke 18:1
John 3:16-17
John 11:25-26
John 15:5
Hebrews 4:16
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/artplus
Alexis A. Goring is an author, blogger, editor, photographer, trained journalist, and total foodie. She specializes in Contemporary Christian Romance (fiction) and devotionals (nonfiction). Her first devotional book, Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God, was published in April 2020. Alexis hopes that her life’s work will lead people to Jesus Christ and teach them about the God who loves humankind with all of His heart. When she’s not sharing words that inspire and encourage the heart, you can find her in the kitchen cooking up something tasty, or in a café or restaurant, either dining solo or sharing a meal with loved ones. Connect with Alexis online via her website (https://alexisagoring.
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