We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (1 Cor. 3:18)

French mathematical genius, Blaise Pascal, spent years running from God—like so many people today. Then, Pascal encountered God’s life-changing grace.

How did a life of pride in intellectual achievement become a life of joy in Jesus? Eight years after his death, a parchment note was found sewn into Pascal’s coat that recorded his powerful conversion.

The note read in part: “Year of grace 1654, Monday 23 of November … from about half past ten at night to about half an hour after midnight, FIRE. God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, not of philosophers and scholars. Certitude. Heartfelt joy, peace. God of Jesus Christ. God of Jesus Christ. ‘My God and your God.’… Joy, Joy, Joy, tears of joy … Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ. May I never be separated from him.”

Pascal discovered in the Scriptures a joy and peace that was like fire in his heart, surging into joy beyond words. The years of prideful striving for recognition could not compare to the Spirit’s revelation that the God of all history had reached down in a moment of time to love Pascal.

This newfound faith provided a joy from which he never wanted to be separated, and is yours to share through Jesus Christ. Just like Pascal, you can trust Jesus Christ to be your Savior for Joy, Joy, Joy!

Prayer:
Father, as I behold your glory in the face of my Savior, Jesus Christ, may I be transformed by your grace from whatever pride has enslaved me into the life of inseparable love and irrepressible joy you offer!