Genuine Change is Twisting, Yanking and Straining

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NLT

“Indeed, in the early stages of spiritual development, we could not endure seeing our inner lives as they really are. The possibility of denial and self-deception is something God has made accessible.” Dallas Willard

Here are some descriptions of the beginning of genuine change:

Dying daily

Mental breakdown

Soul earthquake

Self-rejection

Painful self-probing.

I am ruined! (Isaiah said this—Isaiah 6:3)

But it leads to: Wonder and delight.

Loving relationships

Cheerfulness

Peace

Joy even in hard times

Wisdom

Good health

Peace

And so much more! The loving Father gives us grace so we don’t have to tackle our sins all at once. He knows we would be overwhelmed! Many of us didn’t have a loving father who would guide and love us, but we see a loving father in the Bible.  He’s our Father in Heaven, If we just take a step, plant a mustard seed, and become willing through Jesus, we will live in everlasting joy.

Musings

Over and over we think it all depends on us alone. Not true. Trust is required and we show our trust by taking one small step.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Today we walk with You in trust. We want to live like Your Son. No matter what we have done, You love us and guide us. You are our only Hope and You can be trusted. We can trust in the Man who died for us.

With gratefulness,

Amen.