Everything you and I require to reign in life was accomplished at Calvary on our behalf. That’s why we call what Jesus did on the cross His “finished work.”

Gospel Corner

10/09/25

Joel Osteen Ministries

Today’s Word
Today’s Scripture
As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.
Luke 23:26, NIV

Why Me?
Simon was from Cyrene, a city in North Africa. He was a foreigner, a stranger just traveling through who suddenly found himself carrying Jesus’ cross. He didn’t know who Jesus was. He didn’t know he would be chosen to be a part of history. God could have chosen one of Jesus’ disciples to be with Him in His final, critical moments. But He purposefully chose a stranger who didn’t look like he belonged. Simon could have tried to refuse, but I can imagine that deep down he heard a voice whispering, “I know you’re a stranger, but you’ve been chosen. This is your moment.” Simon accepted the calling and stepped into a destiny greater than he ever dreamed.

This is the beauty of our God. While we were yet strangers, while we were far off, God in His great mercy chose us. He didn’t choose you based on your performance; He chose you based on His love. Simon had no history with Jesus, but God had a divine purpose for his life. Who knows where God will take you if you simply answer His call.

A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You are the Most High God, and You chose me and set me apart for Your own purpose. Thank You that Your call is based completely on Your love for me and not my performance. I am saying yes to Your call and to carrying the cross You have for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Beloved, you reign in life through Jesus Christ just by receiving two things from Him: the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness (Rom. 5:17). God’s way is not about achieving, but about receiving. But many Christians continue to live based on the world’s system of achievement.

The world’s system of success is built on the twin pillars of self-effort and diligence. The world tells you that the more you do, the harder you work, and the more hours you put in, the more success you will achieve.

The world’s way is to nag you to work harder, to forget about attending church on Sundays, to spend less time with your family, and to spend more time in the office working through the nights, weekends, and holidays. I’m sure you’ve heard that you need to “pay the price,” after all, “no pain, no gain,” right?

Yet, God’s way is not for us to be blessed by our own efforts. You cannot earn God’s blessings by your performance.

God’s blessings are based entirely on His grace. His blessings over your life are undeserved, unearned, and unmerited.

In other words, there is nothing you can do to deserve His blessings, for they are based entirely on receiving Jesus, and through His finished work, the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness.

God wants us to stop trying to achieve and to begin receiving the favor, blessings, and healing that Jesus accomplished for us on the cross. When He hung on the cross some two thousand years ago, He cried out with a loud voice, “It is finished!”

Everything you and I require to reign in life was accomplished at Calvary on our behalf. That’s why we call what Jesus did on the cross His “finished work.”

He finished it. He completed it. It is done!

My friend, the only thing that works is the finished work. So stop trying to do what’s already done. Stop doing and start receiving what Jesus has done. Cease all striving and painful laboring to achieve your goals in your own strength and wisdom.

Choose instead to see that Jesus has already finished the work. All you need in this life He has already provided for you through the cross. Rest in His unmerited favor and love for you.