“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:20-21).
Living daily as we do, it’s often hard to keep remembering our real identities are linked to the second promise Christ gave. In the gospels Jesus told the disciples what the future held before He went to the cross. He said He had to go away, back to the Father, but He would send the Helper to them—and to us.
“Truly, truly…you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned to joy” (John 16:20). By the power of Almighty God this became a reality. Yet we merely have a foretaste of the joy that is to come. When Jesus comes again, our joy will be complete.
For now, by the Spirit’s power, we can become disciples, “that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection…being conformed to His death…not that I have already obtained it…but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which I was also laid hold of by Christ Jesus…the upward call of God” (Philippians 3:10-12, 14).
It’s a lot to keep in front of us. It’s also where our present peace and joy lie. If we consistently walk through our days with this realization, though, Jesus’ words will have personal meaning: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:16-17). After this statement Jesus also prays to the Father, “As Thou didst sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (v. 18).
Because I know, and am reminded in Scripture, what my destiny is and who I truly am, I don’t take daily occurrences for granted. Lately, I’ve been running across people I wouldn’t normally see in my routine, and I can’t help but think there’s an eternal purpose in this. We greet one another and then I focus on them, listen, ask questions, and am mindful that this time has been appointed for us.
Whether brief or lengthy, after we’re done, I am burdened to pray for that person. All I seem to ask for is that they may “know Him” through their circumstances. Many of them have not expressed a belief in the Lord I belong to. They may be facing a new, unfamiliar season or difficult period, and I want each one, by God’s power to draw them and reveal Himself to them, to know an eternal purpose and have stillness even now.
That’s the gift I would give them, as I’m sent. I’m growing in truth, being conformed, being laid hold of, to show Jesus and His grace to others. How about you? In these uncertain days, often tumultuous days, what are you mindful of? What opportunities move your heart and humble your spirit? Next time you’re reading your Bible, notice how often a passage speaks of power, then ask yourself, “What difference does that make?” Today and tomorrow.
Promised Power
Father, Keeper of eternity, tell me Your truths and help me to live in them. As you show me Your grace, don’t let me forget to extend that grace to those You love, but who may not yet love You. By Your power, make those who belong to You accept the upward call, daily. When this place doesn’t feel like home, remind us that it’s because we’re still not there yet. May peace and joy be ours because You’ve told us the end from the beginning. May we eagerly await our Savior, as we walk through this life as Your disciples. By Your transforming power, Amen.
By His Love and Power
May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By His love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say.
May the word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His pow’r…
May His beauty rest upon me
As I seek the lost to win,
And may they forget the channel,
Seeing only Him.
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