A New Creation...A New Start...A New You :)

There are alot of places my mind goes when I start thinking about what I would like to change about myself.  I think about my health, my financial state, my career and even my walk with God gets the evaluation and notes of change to consider.  Although I do what I call my "spiritual check up" at least once a year, I find it extremely difficult when others look at me and decide that reguardless of what I say "there will always be things about me that will NEVER change."  Its hard to attempt to work on old behaviors and atitudes while others try to keep you in the same box you fought so hard to get out of.  I guesss thats human nature...but then again so is sin.

I find much hope in Gods word.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

I love this verse for many reasons.  First the obvious is that it is a true fact not a possibility.  It doesn't say if anyone is in Christ he could possibly be a new creation, but he IS a new creation.  That gives me hope.  I love that the old has gone and the new has come.  God is so good about replacing the old stuff with some really great things that we would never dream of asking him for.

The other reason I love this verse is because it ends with a exclamation point (!).  Its as if someone is shouting this reminder from the top of their lungs.  I have so felt like this before.  Sometimes I even feel like shouting it to myself as a reminder that no matter how I feel, I am not who I use to be!!!

So try to remember that the only requirement that you need for change is Christ.  The old does not go away and the new does not come unless you are in Christ.  Believe Christ is who he says he is, believe he never lies, confess your faults and your need for him and ask him to help you walk daily with him as your Lord.  Life will not all of a sudden be easy but I promise it will never be the same and neither will you!
Im praying for you. Be strong. Remember when you look in the mirror that Christ could not ever love you any more or any less than he already does.  Also remember that no matter what others think you are that Christ sees who you are becoming and he loves everything about you.  Stay connected.  He is the only one that really matters anyway.