Reflections on LifeSample

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Cor 5:17 NIV)

When I consider the Scripture above, what immediately comes to mind is the new heaven and earth and the new Jerusalem. But what does this mean on a personal level?

When I found myself remanded in prison for the first time at the age of 60, in my mind my life had ended. For the first week I was on ‘suicide watch’. I couldn’t eat or drink. I had a knowledge of Jesus but had never managed to get close to Him because I was full of fear.

Yes, I had been saved and baptised, but I did not have the courage to share with anyone.

A small voice said, ‘Talk to Me and I will raise you up’. I borrowed a Bible and started reading John.

But how could Jesus raise me up? I was a failure. I had failed Him, my family, my employer, myself. How could He fix that?

“Trust Me”

Acceptance of guilt started an incredible journey of faith and love. While waiting to be sentenced I was in a cell quietly praying when a feeling of total peace and love swept through me.

Right now, I am still incarcerated, but things are so much different. When Jesus says He will make all things new, He means ALL things, including us, if we let Him. God has a plan and to fit His plan we must die to all things that hold us back, both present and past. When we die to these things, we are then made new.

Renewal in Christ is an ongoing process. Our life is never fully complete until we join Christ. There are times that I wonder where He is taking me, but He has a plan and my faith and trust in Him is absolute.

Jesus is my Saviour, my brother and my friend. He has raised me from the gates of hell and given me a new life in return for my trusting in Him and giving myself over to Him completely. Today, He calls the shots and I follow Him.

He has raised me up into a new life in preparation for His return, whenever that may be. The peace and joy that I now feel is there for all of us if we let him give us life. I feel so blessed and love Him completely.

Prayer:

Father, I thank you, that you sent your Son, Jesus, to redeem me. I thank you that You give my life complete renewal through the Holy Spirit, that you will in your own time give us a new home and a new body.

The blessings that we receive through your mercy are more than we deserve and are given through your love for us.

As you bless us, we bless you.

Amen.