By Cathy Spangler
In the last decade, it has become popular on television to see different make-overs. Sometimes it is a wardrobe, haircut, and make-up that bring a drastic change. But other times entire homes are transformed from run-down to state-of-the-art in just a few days!
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor. 5:17).
In this day of “make-overs”, the verse above seems easy to understand. God gives us a new look: a better and healthier one for sure! But the Apostle Paul is not referring to our outward looks, although many times God changes our appearance, too. This verse talks of a new life: something that requires a deep changeon the inside. I used to think that was a one-time whammy that comes in the salvation experience. But now I realize this making of me into a new creation is also a process that is ongoing!
“And I will give you a new heart and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ez. 36:26).
When God removes our stubbornness, he does so in order to release us to be all that He created us for. He empowers us. He gives us the ability to overcome discouragement and emptiness! Heenables us to love Him and others like we never could before. Hehelps us look past difficulties to the victory beyond. And hefills our hearts with trust and faith! All this comeswith a flood of peace and contentment!
“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy” (Eph. 4:22-24).
Did you know that we have a responsibility in this “make-over”? God gives us a new nature, but we have to put it on! We let the Spirit change our attitudes by paying attention to the Word and applying it as we come to understand it, a little at a time.
“Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Is. 43:18-19).
Part of becoming this new creation is LETTING GO of the past. “The old life is gone…” So often we limit ourselves because of fear and failure in the past. The “what – ifs” keep us from getting out of our boat of safety and comfort and walking to Jesus out there on the water.
Do we want miracles in our lives? Do we want to walk in the glory and fire of God? Of course! So, quit holding on to the past and take a chance on a NEW walk with God, in His light and in His Spirit. We can access power beyond our wildest dreams. We can see financial breakthroughs by faith. We can see our loved ones delivered, saved, healed and protected. Really!
That’s what it’s going to take in this end-time season. Let’s expect! Let’s receive! Let’s let go and become NEW!
