A young woman was earnestly trying to "make her peace with God." She went to church regularly and did everything she could to secure God's favor. Still, in spite of her efforts, she failed to find the rest of soul and peace of conscience for which she longed.
A preacher of the gospel visited her one day. After some conversation, he thought he understood her problem, so he asked to be allowed to use her well-thumbed Bible. She willingly handed it to him and he, turning to Col. 1:2020And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20), read aloud to her: "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross."
He read the words again and said: "You see, you have set yourself a hopeless task. You are trying to do what Christ has already done."
She was astonished. Taking the Book in her own hands, she said: "Let me read that for myself."
Slowly she read the words: "And, having made peace through the blood of His cross." Joyfully she exclaimed: "Oh, it's strange that I never saw that before! And it was there all the time. I've been trying to do what Christ had done long ago. What a stupid mistake! I might as well have tried to accomplish my own redemption. But thank God, I see now, He made peace for me. I'll just be satisfied with His work, and rest my soul upon it."
Will you not also stop your working and striving for salvation, and accept the finished work of Christ on the cross, and receive the peace of God which passeth all understanding?