The work of surrender is mine . . . the work of transformation is His.
No doubt about it.
We find this promise of God’s workmanship in our lives in Ezekiel 36.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited. Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it. (Ezekiel 36: 26-27, 33-36)
The promise is trustworthy. The transformation will be visible.
Our lives will be rebuilt, cultivated, fortified, replanted.
White flags are easy to come by, but hard to raise.
Do you have the strength it takes?
Don’t worry, God does for “. . . he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” (Philippians 1:6)
The power of this week’s theme is not in the words I’ve shared, but what you and God will do behind closed doors or out in the open with a very close friend.
Start with Daniel 9:4-19.
Finish up with Ezekiel 36:26-38.
Knee pads are recommended, but not required.
Note: This post is part of our original series on rest. We are re-posting some of our favorite articles because we believe they’re just as important today as ever. We hope you’re challenged to think of rest in a fresh new way. Would you like to read the post that preceded this one? Click here.
Oh, Brenda, my special friend, I so needed to read his today, and tomorrow, and all weekend. Physically I’m not well…..again. My emotions are jumbled. Yet…..God is near. He gives me the strength I need for the moment. He is the creator of this day, this moment, is season. I’m not lost for He is the Way. The lies must flee….for He is the Truth…the only Truth….the full Truth. In sickness and adversity…He is the Life. As I rest, He is with me. He provides, protects, preserves. What more can I ask for? You special words and scriptures, my friend…and you love. I know these are always there for me and for us all.
Oh Betty,
Jesus provides. Again and again and always.
His Word is alive and brings us life.
And he comes tenderly to us in our deep weariness … when our hearts are battered and our feet are badly blistered from the long mountain trek.
Lifting you up.
I know, we know, He hears each prayer.
Onward — with love and prayers!
Brenda