Friday, April 19, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

A NEW Me in the OLD Body

Revelation 21:5 And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything NEW!"

I recently visited with a friend who I had been out of touch with for more than a decade. This girl was always sweet and pleasant to be around, but now, she was even sweeter, more confident and emitted enthusiasm for life that was absolutely contagious!!!

What was it that had changed about her in all those years? She decided that she was not satisfied with life. So, she got involved in church and her community, surrounded herself with encouraging people, and sought God more earnestly.

She also realized that there were habits and activities that were inhibiting her from living in God's fullest blessings. One of her biggest challenges that she currently faces is that people still see her as that "old person." However, God has made her NEW!

If we're not careful, we can allow the expectations of others based upon who we once were to dictate who we are today. One of the greatest conversions in the Bible is that of the Apostle Paul. Prior to his divine encounter with the Lord, Paul persecuted and murdered Christians.

One day, on his journeys, Paul experienced a divine encounter with the Lord. From this day forward, he preached the message of Jesus Christ. Now, can you imagine how the people received this "changed" man? One day, he is murdering Christians, the next day he IS one!

In Acts 9:21 the people questioned, "...Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name...?'" Kinda....sorta...but not really... Same body...but now a COMPLETELY different man.

When we have encounters with God that cause us to better ourselves, sadly, people may not see us as any different....AT FIRST!

I challenge you today to BE CONSISTENT and BE HONEST. Paul is NOW an inspiration to ALL believers. He penned more than half of the New Testament! From the time of Paul's conversion, with unwavering faith, he shared the Gospel. Sincerely, he admitted in Romans 7:21 that he struggled with doing what's right. In those moments of weakness--when his old ways and old character were trying to emerge--he said, "I PRESS ON to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

When you keep your focus heavenward, people will eventually know you for this NEW person instead!

Dear Lord, I thank You that You have not called the perfect but that You have called the willing. Thank You for NEW beginnings!

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.