Christ’s love knows no borders

Early this year I decided to retire and relocate from Melbourne to Adelaide to be near my daughter. Then COVID-19 happened.

Knowing I would be moving, I submitted my request to police to enter SA. I received advice that if I hadn’t heard back within three days to proceed to the border.

On 14 July my belongings were collected by removalists. The next day I drove to the SA border. I was terrified. What if they wouldn’t let me in? I couldn’t go back – my home was up for sale.

At the border I gave police my entry number and was questioned about my arrangements. I had a COVID-19 test. Then I drove a few kilometres before stopping to send a text to my daughter that I was through the border. I cried in relief.

The following week I received an official response to my request to enter SA – I had been denied! Police advised me that had I not already been in Adelaide, I would not have been allowed into SA.

I share my story because this process highlighted what it means to live under God’s grace.

In Romans 8 Paul says: ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.’

What a stark contrast this is to the fear and anxiety of my border crossing! God requires no paperwork for entry to his kingdom. Christ has overcome all separation between us.

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