The Lonesome Valley
Salvation is found through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. -Acts 4:12
There is only one way to experience the majesty of His kingdom and it is through the salvation found in Jesus Christ.
The stark reality of our journeys as Christians is that no one else on this earth can save you. No one else here can go to heaven for you. We need the fellowship we find with our brothers and sisters in Christ to sustain us on our journey, but that trip through the valley is ours and ours alone.
David, in Psalm 23, does not mention a “we” but instead his song sings only of an I and the Lord. Even though I walk…I will fear no evil for you are with me…they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4). This is not a trip a mother can take for her son, nor is it a journey to be led by one friend for another. The destination of salvation through Christ can only be reached by the individual; a loved one cannot will it upon them. As individual followers of Christ, we must each take our own trip through the valley.
Although our journeys must be made as individuals, we must pray for the salvation of others. We must continue to hope that they too will see the Light of the Lord. Like so many of us, Paul prayed fervently for the conversion and dedication of others. (Romans 9:2,3) He knew however, that the salvation of the individual, despite fervent prayer on his part, was ultimately up to that person and God. Even the mighty Paul could not go to heaven for someone else! Despite his years of service and dedication, even Paul could not save someone by proxy!
The journey must first begin with the individual confessing that Christ is Lord, with belief in their heart that He is risen and that we are saved. (Romans 10:9) For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:10) You cannot confess the sins of another or lay claim to their heart for Christ!
Do not despair, for there is always hope: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) God does not want to lose any of His sheep. He has not forgotten about your sister. He will not forget your coworker. His patience is endless and He is willing to wait as long as it takes for those that are lost, to find Him. He so desperately wants to be found.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. (John 14:3)
Does your heart break because someone in your life might not know the way? I encourage you to continually engage in fervent prayer for them. Pray that they will be able to begin their own journey with Christ. Share with them the map to salvation but understand that you cannot force them down the road. I pray that the day Christ comes back to take us with Him, that you will know the way.
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