A New Creation

Do you ever think back at what used to be prior to the event that broke you into pieces? I try not to let my mind wonder in that direction too much because, let's face it, it can be a rabbit hole of sadness. When I venture down the path of what used to be I tend to lose sight of all that Jesus has done for me. Bitterness of what I no longer have stirs in my heart. However, it is hard though for our brains to not look at life before the event and after the event. The old you, the new you.

The Rebecca before June 8th, 2022 and the person I am today are similar but certainly do not mirror each other. I'm sure you can say the same about yourself when you think back to your heartache. Life circumstances change us. I was a Christian and good person prior to Bennett passing. I loved our Lord and went to church on a regular basis. My husband and I prayed with Bennett every morning and night, read Bible stories to him daily, and sent him to a private christian school. I really thought I was on the right track of raising Bennett the way a christian parent should. However, looking back I was a good Christian who didn't walk intimately with Jesus on a daily basis. I was not dependent on him consistently. I was more worried about making sure Bennett's spiritual cup was overflowing while putting mine on the back burner. I mean, isn't that what most mother's do is put their children's needs before theirs? Let me tell you my friend, I needed Jesus just as much then as I do now.

On Tuesday, June 28th, 2022, I became a new creation. My breath was taken when I stepped into the cold water of Beaverdam Creek despite it being a warm summer evening. I could hear the water trickling. A few family members gathered around on the bank of the water. I felt a peace in my heart that I hadn't felt in 21 days. I continued to walk into the depths of the creek until I reached a dear friend of mine and brother in Christ, Bill McDonald. He looked me in the eyes and asked two simple questions.

• Do you believe Jesus died on the cross and rose 3 days later?

• Do you accept Him as your Savior?

I said "yes" to both. He said "I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit". He then gently dipped me into the cold water. I can't very well describe in words what my heart experienced in those seconds being immersed in the water but I can tell you I was changed forever. Tears filled my eyes and joy filled my heart because I knew without a doubt in that moment that Christ was mine and I was His. All of this came about because I had felt a nudge in my soul for several years that I could no longer put off. I had felt the need to be baptized again because I needed to be 100% sure that I had done it for the right reasons. Sometimes, tragedies bring us to this place of desperation where we must know we are held by Him. It changes us. Let's look at one of many instances when someone in the Bible has become a new creation.

In Act 9:1, we see a man named Saul who has committed serious threats of harm against the disciples of Christ. On his way to a city called Damascus, we see in scripture the Lord speaking to him saying "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?". The Lord speaks to him giving him instructions on what he needs to do in Damascus. Before Saul leaves the presence of the Lord, he is blinded in sight. For three days he did not eat or drink. He was led around by his friends to Damascus. A man named Ananias had a vision and the Lord told him to seek out Saul. Ananias had heard of all of Saul's wrong doings and did not want to approach him but the Lord tells him "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentile and their kings and to the people of Israel". Once Ananias and Saul were together, Ananias laid his hands on him and spoke that his eye sight be regained and he be filled with the Holy Spirit. The scripture then tells us that scales fell off from Saul's eyes and he could see again. Saul then got up and was baptized.

Talk about a transformation. A life event in Saul's world made him a believer. Has your broken heart pulled you closer to Jesus? Has the scary health diagnosis or chronic illness like Saul stirred up feelings in your heart that has brought you closer or further from Him? God CHOSE Saul. God USED him and gave him purpose in his pain. He was a sinner just like you and me. We may not have committed harsh offenses like him but let me tell you friends God has CHOSEN US. He has seen what you have endured in your life and He chooses you every single day. The season you are in know that God is using you for His good. You may not feel like He is working in your life. I can tell you from my experience, all you have to do is lean in to Him. He will reveal Himself to you. If you are a christian but don't walk that intimate walk with him daily, you are missing out on the best parts of His love. Open your heart to Him. Talk to Him. If you have not given your life to Christ, I want you to know there is rest for the weary in doing so. You don't have to battle life's waves and destruction all by yourself. Jesus is waiting for you to extend out your hand to grab His. In John 3:5, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one if born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God". What are you waiting for my friend? Take His hand and walk with him.

Let Him be the light in your darkness,

Rebecca

Music speaks to my heart. Take a couple minutes to listen and digest the words in both these songs.