I was reading a story about a woman who seemingly lived the perfect life. Everything was working out as she had hoped. She married her high school sweetheart and had a family. He had a great job and they lived in a beautiful home. But then things changed. Her husband lost his job and began drinking. This led to him having an affair and then deserting his family. She had no one to turn to for help and support.

In desperation, she turned to the church. Her new family there supported her and her children, introduced her to Jesus and her life was transformed. I think for everyone who comes to faith, we come to know that Jesus can make a tremendous difference in our lives… if we choose to accept it and act on it.

One of the greatest truths we learn is that Jesus becomes the source of strength for whatever situations we find ourselves in. When you choose to follow Christ, you are connecting with the God of the universe, the Creator of all that exists, the One with more authority and power than any other in heaven or on earth.

Colossians 1:15-16 says, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” And the truth many Christians have discovered is Jesus makes His unlimited power available to us when we ask.

Paul reiterates it in his doxology to the church in Ephesus. He writes in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!”

Here in Edmonton, Connor McDavid is seen as the hockey team’s “savior.” He is the one who “stirs the drink” and makes the team go. When we make Jesus our Lord and Savior, He is that and more. Psalm 18:32 says, “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” He can hold your life together when it seems to be falling apart.

One of the things humanity believes is their need to be in control of everything in their lives. In spite of how things appear to be, no one really has everything completely together 100 percent of the time. There is only one Person who controls everything, holding all things in His hands. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…“ So, when life seems overwhelming, we have someone we can turn to for strength, hope, and peace.

But what about the times when we disappoint or fail God? what can Jesus do for that? Many years ago, there was a Christian musician named Michael English whose moral failure destroyed his career. Sin can do that to any of us. But after experiencing the forgiveness of God, his career was restored.

So, what did it take for this restoration to happen? 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” It requires us to acknowledge our sins, confess them to God and He does the work of purifying us. Whether the problems in your life are the result of sin or circumstances beyond your control, you can be sure that Jesus can restore sanity to your life—if you turn to Him.

Another benefit of a relationship with Jesus is He can give you peace with God and with yourself. I think all of us want peace. We live in a world of uncertainty fueled by “alternative facts” and “fake news.” With all the chaos, we seek peace. The good news is that Jesus wants to fill your life with peace every day, day after day, from now on.

Listen to the words of Jesus. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” And in John 16:33 Jesus again says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

All this is ours through Jesus. It was all accomplished through what He did on the cross. Paul describes it this way in Colossians 1:19-20: “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” This brings us peace with God and leads to peace with ourselves.

One of the truths we can experience when we give our lives to Christ is fear, turmoil and chaos can become things of the past. If we surrender ourselves to Him, saying, “God, I can’t do this without Your help. I need Your strength,” you can count on Him to be there.

When we give our lives to Jesus, we usually focus on the eternal, the life beyond this life. But there is so much more available to us in this life that we often fail to access. But when we discover the presence and power of God for our lives here, it opens up a new source of strength and peace that enables us to live a life that can glorify God through whatever challenges we may face.