What if?

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins." 1 John 4:9, 10

After the unexpected death of music icon, Prince, many of us may have added Purple Rain or another one of his songs to our running playlist. And no doubt many of us already had at least one song by Nichole Nordeman, am I right? What's the connection you ask? It's said that, after his return to Christianity later in life, Prince heard a popular song about Jesus while driving in the car. He said he was so touched by Nichole's song, 'What if?', that he decided to record a cover of it. When Nichole heard the news she said, "Prince heard a song about the transforming love of Jesus on Christian radio and now has given it a much wider audience than I ever did or could." 

What is this transforming love that can touch someone so deeply that they would turn to Christ? It's real love. It's a love so real that nothing could change it. It's a love so real that it remains even when unreturned. A love so real that it was given the ultimate sacrifice. That transforming love is the love of our Father who, "showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him." And, unlike the conditional and ever-changing love this world offers, "This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us.." It's a love so real that it has the power to transform lives!

I wonder do you believe that today? And, if you do, have you shared the good news? While you and I may never reach that 'wider audience', we can certainly reach our own backyards. Because what if our neighbors don't know? What if we don't tell them? What if?

Heavenly Father, oh thank you for the many ways you give us to share your transforming love with the lost and those searching for answers. Many find it through music and others through your Word. Give us an urgency to reach people who are longing for answers to all of those 'what if' questions and then give us the words to lead them to the Cross. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

What if - Nichole Nordeman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M-rPbjmTCI

http://qpolitical.com/prince/