This month, in our series “New Creations”, we peeked into the lives of a few of the men and women in the Bible who were transformed when they accepted Jesus.
Beyond the well-known stories of Peter changing from a prideful, impulsive man to a humble, eloquent speaker, and Paul making a 180° life turn from violent anti-Christian crusader to Christian missionary, we find smaller, yet just as significant, caterpillar-to-butterfly stories that inspire.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Stories like that of Jairus’ daughter, who was literally brought back from the dead to a new life. “When there seems no way possible, Jesus steps in and creates newness. He reaches out to us, His beloved children, and says to us, ‘Child, arise!'”
We can follow the example of Lois and Eunice, whom God used to nurture faith, disciple believers, and spur others on as they followed God’s call.
Nicodemus was humble enough to learn new lessons and accept fresh revelations, even though he was an established Pharisee leader, and most of his peers opposed Jesus.
Just like in Lydia, the transforming work of Jesus Christ in our lives grows in us open hearts, open ears, and open hands.
And Martha, who when she took her feelings about her birther and sister to Jesus, encountered the Truth of who Jesus is, and it changed her heart.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
As a follower of Christ, you don’t have to rely on your own strength to make changes in your life. God is faithful and loves you, and He will see His work to completion! You, beloved child of God, are a new creation!
God is so generous with His examples of new life! So much encouragement.