Poised For Change

For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Colossians 1:29 (New American Standard Bible)

Our passions can consume us and that is a good thing if the passions flow out of a deep relationship with our Creator. The Apostle Paul had two passions that stemmed from his walk with Christ. He desired to share the gospel with the world and he longed to see Christians grow and mature in their faith. What was so vital to his life, he wanted others to have as well. It was his life message! And he knew that it stemmed from God’s work being done in him. His power source was not behavior modification and will power, but rather the active influence of God’s Spirit living in him.

Many are the sad accounts of people laboring and striving according to their own power! I speak from personal experience here. When living out the Christian life boils down to church attendance, rote Bible reading, sparse prayers, and a personal list of do’s and don’ts, we have missed the essence of what it means to be in daily, intimate relationship with the God who wants to be known and experienced. But for many, their faith, life, and connection are anemic and weak. They long for more but have no idea how to make the transition. Mistakenly they assume it means changing their behavior and their activities hoping the outward change will somehow produce an inward transformation. But that is backward! Lasting and true change comes only as God is asked to change the very essence of who we are. Where does that start?

Being honest enough to admit to God that we are empty. Daring to open His Word and asking Him to show us Himself in a powerful way. Opening ourselves up to associations with people who have the kind of relationship with God that we crave for ourselves. Metaphorically sitting at the feet of authors and speakers who can give us a view of God we now lack. Learning to step outside our comfort zones and well built boxes in order to live our Christian life in a whole new way.

If I have described you just now and you long for change, be encouraged! The hunger you have is coming from God! He is awakening in you a desire to know Him more personally and to live your Christian life the way He always intended it to be lived.

Father, for each person who is empty, fill them. For each one who longs to know You, reveal Yourself. May their life be forever changed! Amen.

MY LIFE IS IN YOU LORD!
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