Life In the Middle

“And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” — Joel 2:32

Joel spoke these words during a moment of national and spiritual crisis. The people had wandered. Consequences were real. The future felt uncertain. And yet, right there in the middle of warning and loss, God offers hope that is both simple and profound:

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

No timeline attached.

No spiritual resume required.

No disclaimer for how late the moment feels.

Wait! Everyone?

Over the last week, this verse settled into my heart in a new way. When life draws close to eternity, what matters becomes unmistakably clear. Salvation is not about having everything figured out—it’s about knowing who to call on when everything else fades.

Scripture reminds us that God does not retreat when moments grow heavy:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Near. Present. Attentive.

Even at the edge of life, God remains close.

One of the quiet lies many people believe is that distance from God is measured by time or mistakes. That if enough years pass, or enough regret piles up, God somehow becomes harder to reach.

Perhaps that’s you, it sure is me at times. We say things like, “God I’ve sinned to much” or “God, how could you love me after what I’ve done”

But the Bible tells a different story.

“Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. — Joel 2:13

God’s nearness is not fragile. He is not easily offended into absence. He does not turn His back the moment we drift. His posture toward us has always been mercy.

Salvation does not hinge on perfect words or perfect timing. It rests on trust. It’s not about your effort, it’s about the effort and the person of Jesus.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

Calling on the name of the Lord can look like a confident prayer—or a quiet plea whispered through tears. God hears both.

As long as there is breath, there is invitation.

For Today

If you feel far from God, pause for a moment. The gap may not be as wide as you think. God is not waiting for you to take ten steps toward Him. He is already near—ready to respond to a single call.

“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” — Isaiah 55:6

Until your final breath, it is never too late.

Just call on His name.

And He will save.

My prayer for you…

God,

Thank You for being near—even when life feels heavy and time feels short.

Thank You that Your mercy does not run out and Your grace does not depend on our perfection.

For anyone reading this who feels far from You, remind them right now that You are closer than they think.

Give courage to call on Your name.

Give peace to hearts that are searching.

Give hope where fear has settled in.

Until our final breath, help us trust You more deeply and rest in the promise that You save.

Amen.