For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. – 1 Corinthians 5:21/NLT

I have recently reconnected with a college roommate from a little over a generation ago. A lot of life has happened for both of us.

Meanwhile I am taken back to the bravest and humorous thing my friend did in college. It ranks as one of my top ten personal stories of focused chutzpah.

My friend was one of the humorists of my college days, with story after story of funny faux pas’ and missteps that ended happily ever after.

She was outgoing and loved by all. By her own admission, she was more social than academic during college.

One day at lunch we were sitting with a diverse group of friends; great students, good students and some barely getting by. But we still enjoyed each other’s company and cheered each other on.

“I’m going to make a 4.0, and I want to make the Dean’s list”! She declared boldly in her sweet voice which now resonated with the heart of a lion.

Everyone looked at her. But no one laughed.

“I have not taken my academic work seriously. This is my last year and I know I can do better;” my paraphrase of her brave mission statement.

And she did!

I witnessed her tenacity. It inspired me to do better, and be less fearful of academics, which was not my strong suit. I have since learned to value and appreciate it having friends in amazing academic circles.

I find there are seasons in my life that don’t reflect my best work, but my friend’s example has come to me over the years and encouraged me on.

Today I hear Jesus saying…

“I am going to help you get a 4.0. Trust me.”

Story two: When John and I decided to become parents, we decided to rely on Christ’s 4.0 at the cross to celebrate our blessings and get through the tough times.

Christ’s 4.0 applies to the calm surface waters as well as the undertows that come out of nowhere.

When in 8^th grade, my school took a Jr.  & Sr. high outing to a beach. My best friend could not accompany me on the trip, so I found myself alone at times with my schoolmates. I figured I’d have a great time anyway and waded out into the water alone. I learned quickly why people swim in pairs.

I got caught in an undertow – something I never had heard about – but knew I was in trouble. I yelled for help. A group of folks navigating the deeper waters didn’t respond, for undertows can catch one person unseen within feet of those who are safe in the water. The safe-in-the-water were looking at me like I was crying wolf.

The people on the beach didn’t respond either.

One other caveat. I am near sighted and didn’t have my glasses on.

I credit the Holy Spirit for helping me figure out that if I could float on the waters above, I could get out of the stronghold below. I recall it was a fight to get into that calm stream above without help from others.

But I had Divine help. It’s one of the miracles of my life.

After what seemed to be a 30-minute struggle, I made it on shore. I walked for what seemed like another 30 minutes up the beach as it took me a while to recognize my group not having my glasses.

I finally found my group. It felt so good to see my classmates.

But God knew and gave me a 4.0, another chance.

My friend earned a tangible 4.0.

I was graced a 4.0 by God Who had bigger plans for me down the road. And He has made good on all of his promises!

Amazing!