Some AHAs Change History

Have you every had an AHA moment that was so powerful that it changed your life? What about small AHA moments that move you to be better, do things differently, or just re-evaluate where you are and what you are doing?

I think we have all had those AHA moments at one time or another in our lives. Maybe it’s when we step on the scale in the morning and realize that we need to either eat less or exercise more – or both. Maybe we look at our overbooked calendar and realize it’s time to set more firm boundaries and say “no” at times. Maybe we look at relationships and realize that we may need to make some changes in how a particular relationship is working – or maybe it isn’t working and it’s time to walk away.  Sometimes AHAs are easy to implement and other times not-so-much, but they always leave us knowing that change is necessary.

Martin Luther had one of the greatest AHA moments in history. He was a monk serving God in the Roman Catholic Church. To put it simply, he felt guilty all the time. And no amount of self-inflicted hurt or studying of the Scriptures made him feel any better. He had read the Scriptures through time and time again – always through the lens of the Church who claimed that works were needed in addition to the Sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

Romans 1:17 (For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (ESV)) left him feeling like he could never do enough to please God. He was looking for a righteousness that was self-made. One that he could accomplish by his own power and works. To that end, he inflicted physical harm on his own body, went without physical comforts, and, in general, lived a life that sought to please God through his own works. 

Then, the Holy Spirit stepped in. As Luther was reading this passage, the AHA moment was incredibly powerful. Luther realized that God’s Grace covered him and forgave him all of his sins and shortcomings. He realized that our faith is a gift from God through the working of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. It has nothing to do with us or our works or our self-righteousness. It has EVERYTHING to do with the righteousness that we receive from God because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith … it is the gift of God. 

Well, this broke all of the chains that confined Martin Luther. He realized that the works that the Church required were not necessary. All that was needed was faith in the Triune God. The perfect Sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross was enough – it always had been and always would be. 

On October 31, while much of the rest of the world is celebrating Halloween, we will be celebrating the Reformation. October 31, 1517, is the date that Luther publicly asked for discussion about the differences he saw in Scripture from the doctrine of the Church. Much discussion and meetings and conversation were held but the Church remained steadfast. Luther, too, held his ground at the risk of his life. His famous quote, “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me” is one that I play over and over again in my heart. Would I be brave enough to stand for Scripture over the teachings of my church body? Would that AHA moment be enough to carry me through the rough times when my life and the lives of my family were at risk?

These are questions that are worthy of reflection. I pray that I will always put God and Scripture above any other influence in my life. I pray that God would provide me with AHAs that lead me down His path being and doing His Will always. I pray the same for you.

Blessings, 😊 Ceri