When we come to have a relationship with Jesus, the life we now live is by faith in Him.
Bible Verse
Galatians 2:20 (NASB) 20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
When we come to saving faith in Jesus, our lives change both permanently and eternally. We no longer live life in subjection to the sin that so easily entangles us. Jesus now lives in us and through us. God changes us from the inside out. The life we now live by faith in Him changes who we are at our core. Our heart is changed by our faith. We no longer want to live a selfish life. Rather, what grows in us is a desire to help others come to the same faith that we now have. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be the sacrifice for our sins. Because Jesus gave Himself up for us, we become willing to give up ourselves in the service of His ministry to others. I no longer require my own strength to live daily. It is Him living in me that gives me the strength to follow the path He has laid before me.
Application
It is liberating to know that it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me that powers each day. He has a plan for each of us that is as unique to us as our fingerprints. No two people are identically gifted to carry out His ministry. Do we all have similar gifts, sure. But we are not gifted equally. The cumulative nature of our life experiences gives us each a unique ministry while we walk through this life. The one common quality that we each have is our faith in Him. It is this faith that drives us to be what God wants us to be. Even the difficulties that we bear become more manageable knowing that these difficulties are what God uses to shape our faith and the ministry that He has for each of us.
Do you fully realize that God loves you so much that Jesus willingly gave Himself up for you?
Have you come to the realization that it is your faith in Him that gives you the strength to endure any difficulty you face in this life?
Take time to consider the claim that Jesus has on your life and that it is no longer you who lives, but Christ who lives in you that defines who you are.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that it is no longer I who live, but You who lives in me that gives me strength. Thank You that You loved me so much that You gave Yourself up for me.
If you want to know more about having a relationship with Jesus, see the resources: How to Know God.
