It was in November 1980 that approximately 3,000 people lost their lives due to an earthquake in southern Italy. When I saw this horrible suffering, it turned my young university student life upside down. My expectations about a career and success were severely shaken up.

With tears in her eyes, one Italian woman who had been scarred by life experiences told me, “I have lost everything. My parents, my husband, the children, the house, and the farm. But no one can steal Jesus Christ from me. He will stay with me forever!” Struck to the core, I cried out to God, “Lord, I also want to have the kind of faith this woman has. Please help me!” Although I knew the Bible, I suddenly realized: “I need Jesus to change me from the inside out!”

Now I know: “He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross”

Colossians 2:13b-14

Are you also sure that your certificate of debt has been ripped apart?

Bible Passage: Colossians 2:6-15