By Brenda Jank
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 are just as important today as ever. We hope to encourage and inspire you and those you love and lead to REST WELL through this time of COVID-19 crisis, comeback, and recovery. Onward!
- Would you like to start at the beginning and read this whole series? Click here.
- Would you like to read the post that preceded this one? Click here.
- Would you like to read the next post in this series? Click here.
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