Shirley's Desk

Jesus, I’ll Never Let You Go

Romans 8:35-39

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Many of us can tell the story of our conversion and what our walk or relationship with God has been like over the years. Do you recall the time the Lord came into your life? I’m not speaking of the time you walked to the front of the sanctuary to shake the pastor’s or deacon’s hand. I’m speaking of the day you dedicated your life to Jesus, because on that day you decided to cling to Him and never let Him go. That’s a day that should never be forgotten.

I recall my mother telling the story of her conversion to anyone willing to listen. She wanted to tell everybody about a man she had found who would never leave or forsake her, and whose grace would cause her to withstand anything the enemy would place in her path. She desired to be as faithful to Him as He was to her.  She wanted everybody to know that for God she lived and for God she would die. She would hold on to Him and never let Him go! When was the last time you shared how and when you became acquainted with Jesus?

The Apostle Paul, one of my favorite New Testament characters, excluding Jesus, was one of Jesus’ chief witnesses. The Bible records three different occasions of the Apostle’s conversion (Acts Chapters 9, 22 and 26).  Maybe the reason for those illustrations is to demonstrate to us what true transformation looks like. After his conversion, the life of Paul would never be the same. He was not one of the original twelve disciples, but he is no less important. He began in total opposition to the Christian movement but ended his life as one of the Prime Drum Majors for the Lord. His boldness, passion, intellect, and faithfulness were used to further God’s agenda.

In Philippians, chapter 3, Paul gives us a glimpse of who he is: Although he was a highly educated member of the Pharisees, well-versed in the law, and emanated from the tribe of Benjamin, he counts it all as nothing. His only desire is to be identified with Christ in every area of his life. He’s sold out to Jesus, and nothing or no one will cause him to let go of the Savior of whom he so desperately has taken hold. In Romans, chapter 8:35, the Apostle asks the question, “Who Shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Should it be trouble, hardship, famine, persecution or sword?

The Apostle continues in verse 37, stating we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. However, verses 38-39 says it all. They assert that no matter what comes-- death, life, demons, angels, etc. or any other creation would be able to separate us from the love of God. Paul was simply saying, “Jesus, I’ll Never Let You Go!” If you are a true child of the Most High God you can expect to be treated as Jesus was. The servant is not greater than the master. Remember, those who desire to live godly lives will suffer persecution. What about you fellow Believers? Can anything or anyone cause you to let go of Jesus? If not, say, “Jesus, I’ll Never Let You Go!!”


Elder Shirley Freeman
Daughters of Zion Women’s Ministries