may we not be afraid to leave our old selves behind. may we be a people who honor the daily sacrifice of dying to self and picking up His cross. may we stop living outside of obedience and walk in obedience, despite the cost. For it will cost us – people, places, dreams, and worldly vanity.
as someone who thought living in sin was cool, i can attest to the truth of Romans 8:6: “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” i would think, “how can people choose to live like this? how can they walk away from the things i thought brought happiness?” but then i felt it – the calling, the Holy Spirit tugging on my soul. i was afraid, i didn’t know what i was walking in to. but trust when the Lord says He will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. He will guide you with His eye. Psalm 32:8
anything the Lord called me away from, He filled with more of Himself. my burning desire for the Lord, His love, and His correction is worth more than anything i lost or imagined.
the world drowns us in “new year, new me” messages, offering temporary solutions to a better life. but my prayer for everyone who is far from the Lord or sitting on the fence is to say “new year, new me with Jesus.” let your resolutions be centered around surrender, repentance, and obedience. keep in step with the Holy Spirit, respond to the call.
may this be the year you stop wavering and choose a life that leads to eternity, fruit, and everlasting peace.