"Sure"

Well, do you think we’ll get some rain,

I heard the young hand say,

Old cowboy laughed with some disdain,

Said I don’t believe today.

Because in Texas one thing’s sure,

You’re not sure what you’ll get,

Dry as dry you must endure,

And then you’re soaking wet.

When do you think those cows will calve,

They’re due ‘bout any day,

The coldest weather we’ll yet have,

When it’s freezin’ they just may.

But never sure just when it is,

‘Cause uncertainty’s the rule,

That’s just this old cattle biz,

Makes the wise look like a fool.

When do you think that you’ll be done,

With starting that young colt,

You’ve had him ninety days of fun,

Are you scared he’ll buck and bolt?

Not yet sure when, I’m really not,

I’m thinkin’ ten more rides,

I’m giving him the best I’ve got,

And a lot of care besides.

Well let’s get this one good and done,

No, the science ain’t exact,

But they’re wanting him to run and gun,

And that’s a well-known fact.

Life has its uncertainty,

But one thing we know is true,

When it comes down to eternity,

God says to me and you,

You can know that when you die,

You need not fear at all,

Not based upon your own best try,

But on God’s grace and call.

He wants to make us sure, you see,

That it’s settled without doubt,

That when we die we’ll go to be,

Where God has brought about,

Through Jesus’ death upon the cross,

And being raised to life again,

To let us know we are not lost,

And He will bring us in.

And when we give control to Him,

He’ll make us sure at last,

Not hinging on our feelings’ whim,

But on promises kept fast.

The witness of the Spirit,

From deep within our hearts,

He helps us to hear it,

If we just play our parts,

As members of the Church He builds,

By faith and tongue confess,

Denying all but what God wills,

Receiving all His best.

So, yes, we’re sure because He makes,

Our hearts and minds to know,

That all our sins and hurts He takes,

Eternal seeds to sow.

“For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.” (Romans 8:16, NLT)

How did God make you sure you’re a Christian? He wants us to be sure, you know. Not a hope-so, maybe-so, think-do kind of thing, but a know-so. How do you know for sure? Only if God makes you sure. That’s why Paul wrote this about the witness of the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who gives assurance of salvation. And He does so with everyone who surrenders to Jesus. As long as you’re in control you’ll never be sure. But when you lose control to Jesus He promises that the Spirit will make you sure. Be sure today!

Lord, make us sure that we belong to You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.