”That means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
As I neared a young man running alone somewhere near mile 20 last Saturday I could tell he was struggling. “Is this your first marathon?” I asked him. “Yes,” was his reply in between breaths. “Well you’re doing great! Don’t give up. You just keep pressing on no matter what okay? Even if you have to walk.” “I will. Thank you.” he answered smiling, seemingly grateful for the timely encouragement. “One more thing,” I added as we ran in stride for a few more moments. “Remember. When you cross the finish line of this race, you won’t be the same person who started it. No one who ever runs a marathon is.You will be changed.”
And you know, when it comes to being changed or made different, the Bible tells us that “anyone” - that means the adulterer, the murderer, the drug addict, the prostitute, the thief and every other sinner regardless of what they’ve done - who decides to accept Jesus as their Savior will be changed. And not just changed a little bit my friend but made completely and totally “new” - exchanging their “old life” for a “new life” that is better than anything they could have ever imagined. Isn’t that amazing?
So knowing the power God has in changing each and every person “who belongs to Christ,” may each one of us add 'Be bolder in sharing the Message of Salvation with the lost' to our list of New Year’s resolutions. Can you just imagine how different our world would be if we all did?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of giving a new life to all those who call on the name of Jesus and accept Him as their Savior. Lord with so many hurting, lonely and lost people in this world, help us to be the change that is so needed. Help us to be people who lead others to the foot of the Cross by our words and our actions. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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