New (birthday thoughts)
May 30, 2023
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT
I'm currently writing this at 12:14am, during the first few minutes of being 24 years old. Late into the nights that lead into birthdays and New Year’s, I look forward to spending time with God, reflecting on the last year and dedicating the new one to Him. Birthdays and New Year celebrations are a great time to recalibrate and be inspired for the next year to come. It’s almost like a half time pep talk from your coach before getting back to the game or a shower to freshen up and relax before an event.
While that time of reflection and motivation is refreshing and satisfying, it can also bring negative feelings. Looking through old journals and reflecting through the ups and downs of a year can also remind you of the failures you still feel shame surrounding, the mistakes you wish you could erase and the weaknesses you haven’t grown out of yet. There are so many things that haunt me but I'm reminded of Paul who says He prayed for the reoccurring hurts that tormented him to be removed but God responded with a reminder that His grace is strongest when Paul is weak. While I'm proud of what this year has brought, I'm still faced with the truth that I am weak, broken and far from perfect. I make mistakes, I've hurt many people, and at times I struggle with fear that feels paralyzing. But God. God doesn't see me as my faults. He throws my sins into the depths of the ocean and remembers them no more. So why should I keep holding on to shame? I'm wholly forgiven. You Are wholly forgiven. But weakness is still used for a greater purpose. While sins are blotted out and remembered no more, pains still may linger according to Paul’s story. Maybe I'm reminded of the weaknesses to point out how strong God's strength actually is. Maybe I see how far I am from God's ideal to realize how impressive this rescue mission is. Maybe I'm reminded of the failures to remember how little I deserve anything and how unconditional God's provision has been.
I'm reminded of the paradox that is Christianity. I am underderseving but still possessing of God's faithfulness, love and everything else He offers. I am in Christ and because I am hidden in Him, I am whole in spite of my brokenness. I have all I need because of Him. My life has grown and matured in ways I couldn't have expected a year ago and it's not because I deserve it or worked hard enough. It’s nothing but the grace of God and I must be reminded of that. We often are led to work and steward after God gives what we don't deserve, but once we get in the flow of discipline and dedication we can sometimes forget that that isnt what is sustaining us. God is. And while you have improved and your ability to work and steward what God has given you has improved, that isn't why you have the achievements you have. It’s God. You must remember both sides of the coin. You are broken, but God. You are weak, but God. You don’t even know what you don't know. But God has given you wisdom and insight that could only come from Him. You don't know the praxis or methods but God has ordered your steps. Your future is planned. The people who speak so well of you see the God in you, not just your brokenness and that is a blessing for many reasons.
Because of my reality of being possessed by Christ I'm more than good. And I can boast in my weakness. My value isn’t based on what I birth, it's based on who I belong to. I'm not tied to my failures as a sense of identity. My identity is surrendered to Christ and because of that I have a new way of viewing the world. Because I believe in the power of what. Jesus did, I can walk in a new reality. I'm not my mistakes. My value is based on the Messiah.
As you look over your life I wanna remind you of your identity. Don't just look at the amazing triumphs that God brought you through. It brings tears to my eyes to think about the dreams I've seen realized and prayers I've seen answered this year. Don't just look at the good. But also don't just look at the bad. Look at the whole picture. Be honest about how little you deserve what you have been gifted with and it will force you to see how powerful and graceful God is. This year can be even better than last year based on how much you live in the reality of your identity. You are not your faults or desires. You are not your mistakes or work ethic. You are a child of God. A new creation. And that is what is worth celebrating. That is what will give you energy and passion to go forth and do more. That will birth new ideas and confidence. New identity is what we are all looking for if you sit down and think about it. You have purpose, peace, protection and prosperity in Christ. Just accept it and live like it.
It may not be your birthday or January first, but this is the start of you walking in something new. Believe it.
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