Think about holding your breath under water. You start out thinking you’ve got it under control, no problem. Then you start to feel the pressure. The air’s beginning to run out and you’re trying to just hold on a little bit longer. Finally, you burst through the water, gasping for air and breathing in the fresh start.
When we turn our lives over to God, we get a wild and free life that is far grander than the one we lived before. It may not seem that way to us at first, but now we live with hope. We live with purpose. God welcomes us into his family. This family is made up of men and women just like us, all sinners who are saved by God’s grace. All of us made new in him (2 Corinthians 5:17). A deep breath of fresh air. A clean slate. A rescued new start.
Romans 8 reminds us that living with God— living in his Spirit—means resting in life and peace (v 6). It does not mean we won’t be faced with hard days and brokenness, but we live with an enteral perspective now. We live surrendered to God, trusting that he’s working all things together for our good and his glory. What a relief. What a gift.
How does that change the way you look at what you’re faced with today? It doesn’t mean that discipling your kids isn’t hard or fighting cancer isn’t scary. But you’re made in God’s image. You’re free. You’re chosen. You’re adopted. You’re forgiven. You’re made new. You’re loved. Doesn’t it change the way you see your world?
A lot has changed. I still struggle, of course but, I’m free. I used to drink, smoke etc. And now, I’m redeemed from that life.
A lot is changing, I can feel the difference in myself and how I perceive me as well as how I act and do unto others. I am a work in progress, but I am still learning everyday. I’d like to be baptized when this Covid 19 pandemic is over. I have been walking alongside Christ my whole life, I know of Him, have learned of Him and am still learning. I’ve been baptized Catholic, Mormon, went to a Lutheran school but never have I been Baptized Christian. Now seems more perfect than ever when I finally am beginning to feel freed and released of my sins. I know I still have a lot to learn and will always be learning, but I know in my soul that all of this is preparing me for where I need to go, where I need to be.
As soon as I begin to feel overwhelmed with worry, fear or anger…I am able to hand It over to my partner in life. God. I am able to speak my mind and be heard by the one who means the most to me. I know that there is someone out there who gets me and knows me better than I know myself. Who gives me the strength to keep going. To try to be a light in a dark world. Jesus gives me hope.
I know that I’m not perfect but God loves me anyways. I know that I’m a sinner but God forgives me when I repent. I know I stumble & fall but he has my hand to pick me up. I know the old me is gone and I’m made a new person in Christ. I know that he provides for me even when I can’t see it. I know that even when he doesn’t move mountains or cure my sickness or answer my prayers how I want, that I will still choose to have hope in him. I will choose to follow him everyday because he has become personal to me and loves me even when I’m hard to love. He is my companion, my father, my provider, my savior. It’s freeing. I don’t have to rely on myself or the world to earn my way to heaven. I just have proclaim & believe that Jesus is my Lord and savior and that he loved and died for the forgiveness of my sins.
The difference is, that I am adopted. I am called to a purpose and I am sure of the Holy Spirit of God in my life. I can ask anything. Not just "for" anything… but any questions or repentance. I know I am (we are) chosen to be God’s voice. Show love.
Everything in my life is different because of Jesus. Everything is possible with Jesus. I am able to look at life in a more positive way and know that God is taking care of me in all situations.
I have more peace. I feel loved with a love that won’t ever be taken away. I have a purpose and a direction. I know who is in charge so I can rest in that knowledge and give up my fear of the unknown. The BEST…I HAVE A FATHER who wants only the best for me…who is there for me…NO MATTER WHAT
Because of Jesus I don’t suffer from jealousy, envy and the fear of rejection. Sometimes the fear of rejection is still in the back of my mind – I have to push myself to even call a friend – but then I remind myself Jesus is on my side and the fear subsides.
My desire to be a better person. I am truly happy for other’s joy. I have learned to be more patient and I have learned to literally "walk" with God on a daily basis. I want to tell everyone. Oh…were I not so timid to do so! I do need to work on that.
It should really change my perspective because it’s truly amazing what God offers. However, I know there are days and times when ALL of his goodness is taken advantage of or unappreciated. I need to be remined ALL the time by reading his word, mediating, prayer or worshipping through singing. He is worthy of my praise! I am free in him. Hallelujah!!!