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New Beginnings

 

We have spent the last week and a half stripping wallpaper. In that time we have completed our living room, study, dining room and kitchen. It was hard work and I am looking forward to a day off today, especially as my husband has been out of action for the last few days after hand surgery. My brother is bringing around sandpaper so we can start sanding the walls but I am hoping not today.

As I reflected on the hard work we have completed over this time, it occurred to me that it is a little like stripping away all those unhelpful and sinful habits—now that is hard work! As I work with the Holy Spirit to strip away the old to make way for the new, I require constant ‘sanding’ to smooth out the rough places.

Just as our living areas will be transformed with new paint and wallpaper, my life is transformed by God’s mercy and the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2) and I am being transformed into His image (2 Corinthians 3:18). But it takes time and praise God, He is patient as He works within me. The good news is, anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person, the old life is gone and the new life has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I am very grateful for a warm and comfortable home, but more so for God’s mercy and the new life he gives me.

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