The Holy Spirit has been reminding me recently of the power of hope and the importance of healing. I have a tendency for my mind to get stuck on an endless loop of replaying past mistakes, poor decisions, hurtful experiences and failed endeavors. God wants us to let go of the past, live in the present and look forward to the future. We would do well to follow Paul’s example: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3: 13-14 ESV)
No matter how badly we have messed up, we have the reassurance that God’s grace and goodness are powerful enough to redeem our experiences and use them for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28.) We have hope because ALL our sin – past, present, and future – is taken care of by the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The apostle John reminds us “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John1:9 ESV) God not only promises to forgive our sins, but also to cleanse us of negative beliefs, disobedient attitudes and rebellious behavior.
The most powerful way we can glorify God is through a changed life. God wants to transform us into new creatures. He saved us to conform us into the image of His beloved Son. He wants to heal us from the impact of past abuse, trauma, and loss. He wants to renew our minds with the Truth of His Word. He wants us to exchange our filthy rags for robes of righteousness. Think about your own story of redemption. Can you see how His compassion, mercy, sacrificial love, faithfulness, patience, generosity, beauty and power have been showcased in your life? And how as you experience Him, have you become like Him?
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
During this Easter season, as we worship our God of hope and healing, this is my prayer for you:
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, He will surely do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV)
