Because of…
By Paris Renae
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV
What are transgressions anyway? Oh, those failures I try to keep tucked away. Those moments that I think define me.
But the verse above says ‘when we were’ – past tense. The things I say about me because of my shortcomings – they aren’t true. They can’t be. B e c a u s e o f His great love and His abundant storehouse of mercy and the grace that saves.
That is what defines me now. Grace, lavish love, great mercy. You and me – we are His beloved little ones, shining in the brilliance of Jesus.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 NIV
We are alive in Him, not dead in our inadequacies.
Do you have a past you bury deep? Do you worry about what others think? Did your anger just blow it this morning?
Those are not the you who has eternity. The forever you is washed clean, forgiven, a princess in the court of the Most High God.
Open those wounds – hold them up, He will give peace. Make it go away? Not in this world, but peace is yours now and newness is yours in forever. Worried about how you look, what others say? Think of what your Savior says ‘She is mine. She is beautiful in every way. She is more than a conqueror.’ Sometimes struggle moment to moment? That’s why prayer and an audience with the King are ours at every moment.
He has overcome all our shortcomings - past, present, to come.
Today be drenched in His great mercy, hear His words over you: radiant, blessed, dearly loved, spotless, blameless, heir, chosen – b e c a u s e o f Jesus!
Our Father doesn’t want us to define ourselves – He wants His Son to be what defines us, what others see. Today we are free – free to live in His light, to reflect His light. Join me in believing His words about us?
Oh Father, sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Constantly replaying all that is past and worrying about all that is to come. But You freed us in Jesus. You have told us “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ”. Help us Lord to live believing You, believing in our freedom in You, and believing that though this world may harass and hurt, this is only temporary. We are heirs of eternity where the light of Jesus makes everything new. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For more encouragement, visit Paris at parisrenae.com.
© 2021 by Paris Renae. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Friday, 23 April 2021.
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