Journal Entry. 05/01/19

If anyone is in Christ they are a new creation; old things are passing away; all things are becoming new.  2 Corinthians 5:17

If you’ve followed Jesus for very long, you know the old things don't become new just by happenstance, by being good, by going to church or by working hard for Christ. Those things didn't save you, and they're not going to sanctify you.  They are all important parts of discipleship, but I know people that exhaust themselves in good behavior or in good works, and they haven't matured much at all. The problem is we often read scripture or hear a sermon about what type of person we ought to be, and we work hard to try to make that happen. We try to be a more patient or loving person in our own power, and it just doesn't work. 

So how does spiritual growth really happen?  With an unwavering commitment and submission to Christ, no matter what we face. If He says to love unconditionally, then we love without boundaries. If He says to put others before me, then we think of ourselves second. If He says to accept without judgment, then we accept without people as they are. If He says to forgive without limits, then we let it go.   

The reality is, we don't mature much in the easy times. We mature in the trials, when it's hard, when we're struggling to see God in the valleys, but we choose to lean in and trust, and we see Him show up to bring a peace to our hearts that we know can only come from Him. That's when our faith to believe He is our strength is grown.  That's when our old fears fall away, and we are refreshed and renewed. 

God has something for us in our trials. He reveals our hearts to us in ways that we just cannot see until we’re put under pressure. He allows us to walk into our greatest fears because He wants to free us from those very things that keep us chained up and away from experiencing His peace in our lives. You are where you are because He’s trying to make you new, but you have to surrender it to Him and let Him transform you. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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