Originally published Tuesday, 31 May 2016.
When the apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians, we can hear the passion in his voice. “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved, it’s the power of God.” (See 1 Corinthians 1:18) Can you hear the plea? Do you feel his longing to communicate the importance of this message? He’s saying, “Salvation has come and we will never turn from the power of it!”
If you know anything about the personality of Paul, you know he’s not passive. This is a man who experienced a complete conversion causing total transformation of his life with no looking back. Even in his days of torturing saints, he was well versed in the word of God. In fact, if we were handing out degrees, Paul could have been awarded a Ph.D. in Jewish studies. This man knew the law of God, he just didn’t understand the heart of Him. When he was finally knocked off his horse, being made aware of the call of God on his life, there was no turning away.
Knowing Paul’s knowledge of the Old Testament, he must have been familiar with the story of Lot. That means he knew all about Lot’s wife and her decision to look back. (See Genesis 19) She couldn’t let go of that which ravaged ruin throughout her soul. Not Paul, though, he never looked back. He recognized the message of the cross as the power of God, and after some time, went on a mission to share that same power.
Maybe you’re wondering who Jesus is and what He came to do. Maybe you have a flicker of understanding, but aren’t really sure. Well, let me tell you that what Jesus came to do for your life, for every life, is the power of God. His work on the cross doesn’t just demonstrate the power of God, it IS the power of God. You don’t have to fully comprehend it. I mean, really, can anyone truly understand the mystery of love that deep? You just have to believe it. Belief in Jesus is the starting place for new life. It positions you to experience transformation and opens the door for freedom, healing, and wholeness. Believing is the beginning of a new start. Brand new beginnings bring hope! I don’t know about you, but I need hope to fuel my weary heart. Personally, I make a choice every single day to continue believing. I refuse to turn from the message of the cross. It is the power of God in my life. Friend, It’s the power of God in your life, too.
Be encouraged. There is power in the message of the cross. It never dies, never gets old, never changes. It’s new and fresh to everyone who accepts it, and will always be the source of every victory. It burrows deeply and roots itself inside. The Holy Spirit wants to change you! He doesn’t want to merely demonstrate power in your life, He wants to BE the power in your life. God is good and His power is working for you, to transform every situation, and to give you peace. There’s no need to ever look back. Ever.
Love,
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