This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:1, NLT*

The life: Accepting Christ gives us more than eternal life with God when we die. It gives us new life in the here and now. It’s a spiritual rebirth, so we can grow in relationship with God. He hears our prayers and responds to us. As the Good Shepherd, He directs and protects us, and leads us into opportunities to serve Him, be they big or small.

The promise: Sometimes in worship we sing “I will never be the same,” but often we seem the same as we were before Christ. We’re not the same—we’re spiritually alive now—but sometimes it can hide pretty deep. After all, we’re works in progress and sometimes the old “stuff” surfaces.

This is the kicker for me today, this mention of the promise. God keeps His promises, but if we don’t believe them, we can’t receive them. (click to tweet that)

Through faith: It’s worth noting we can’t earn this new life by working harder or working smarter. We need to believe what God says. When we don’t feel any different, we can remind ourselves of His promises and pray “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24, NLT*)

God who saves us and gives us new life, You know our weakness and You know the plans You have for us—plans to give us a future and a hope. Help us trust You, Lord. Help us grow in You. Thank You for giving us new life.

∞

New life through faith in Christ Jesus. What better song than “I’m Alive” by Peter Furler?

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.