Seven years ago on this day, January 2nd, and right around
this time, my grandma Betty passed away. You may be thinking this is the start
of a sad story, but it's not. You see about three or four years before she
died, I witnessed my grandma give her life to the Lord. But I saw more than
just a confession of belief from her, I got to see her life change! She had a
new joy in life, a new love for the people around her, and a new hope that
wiped out many of her fears. I remember her telling me after she gave her life
to the Lord, "I used to be afraid of dying. But I'm not afraid anymore
because I know where I'm going." The transformation that I witnessed my
grandma go through because of her belief in the Lord was amazing. She was the
definition of becoming a NEW CREATION in Christ. I remember many things about
her, but what has stuck with me the most is how she loved God and openly
allowed him to change her life. And THAT was the most inspiring thing about
her.
Eventually grandma died of cancer, and when she finally went, I was glad
that she was finally able to go home and not suffer here any longer. She is in
Heaven now, passionately worshiping the King. And cancer is not holding her
back there. Sure, I still miss my grandma, I wish she could have been around
for more of my life. But I know without a doubt that I'll see her again
someday. And I am so glad to know with assurance that I will spend eternity
with our Savior with her. Grandma gave me a lot of presents during her life
time, but the assurance of getting to see her again is the best one she EVER
gave me. Do you have assurance of salvation in your life? Have you given your
family and friends the gift of assurance that when you leave this earth you will
see them again one day? What are you waiting for?
This year in 2014, I want to be as open to letting God
transform my life for the good as my grandma was. In 2014, I want to experience
what it means to be a new creation in Christ.
Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of
God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to
God. This is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform to the pattern of
this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve the will of God, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is
a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come.”
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