PART 2 - GRACE THAT COSTS SOMETHING - “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future”

Rev. Dr. Roberta M. Heck, Chaplain

“Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” This statement echoes a truth found throughout Scripture: God’s grace meets us where we are, but it never leaves us there. Transformation is real, but it also comes at a cost.

“But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’ So, David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.” 2 Samuel 24:24 (NIV)

In 2 Samuel 24, King David had just made a grave mistake. He sinned by ordering a census, relying on human strength rather than trusting God. Consequently, judgment came upon Israel. When it came time to make things right, Araunah offered David his land and animals for the sacrifice, for free. But David refused: “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

Why is this important? Because true transformation, true repentance and worship will always cost us something. For David, it meant owning his sin, repenting, and offering to God not just a token, but something valuable. And that’s what God is after in our lives too: not perfection, but authenticity. He’s not looking for a performance, but a surrendered heart.

You may feel like your past disqualifies you. But God can use even the most painful chapters of your story for His glory. The saints we admire in Scripture didn’t have spotless records, but they had willing hearts. They paid the price of surrender, repentance, and obedience.

Likewise, every sinner still has a future in Christ. But stepping into that future requires something of us: a sacrifice of pride, control, comfort, and anything that keeps us from full surrender. It will cost something. The grace of a new life we receive in return. That’s far greater than anything we give up.

“STUDY ON THIS:

• What “cost” might God be asking of you as you follow Him more deeply?

• Are you offering God sacrifices that truly reflect a surrendered heart, or only what is convenient?

• What part of your past have you been holding onto that God is calling you to lay down?

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Precious Father in Heaven, I thank You that Your grace is enough to redeem even the most broken parts of my life. Like David, I don’t want to give You empty words or half-hearted worship. Teach me to surrender what costs me something, such as my pride, my past, my fears so that I may fully walk in the future You’ve prepared for me. Help me remember that while salvation is free, transformation comes through surrender. May my life be a living sacrifice that honors You. In Jesus’ Name I Pray.

Amen and To God Be The Glory!

With love, faith, and fervent prayers,

Rev. Dr. Roberta M. Heck, Chaplain

Beloved, if this devotional has touched your heart and stirred your spirit, do not wait another moment. Take hold of the wisdom, guidance, and strength God has for you. Order your copy of Biblical Answers to Life’s Pressing Problems, Our 365 Day, Devotional today. Let His Word continue to equip you, heal you, and lead you through every challenge and every blessing.

Amazon copies can be bought here: https://a.co/d/hRrVBjz

For author-signed copies: https://www.robertaheckministries.org/inspirational-books

Sign-up to receive Ministry Updates and your free 30-day Devotional E-Book.

Partner with us as we take the transformative message of God's love, hope and salvation to the world.