Ruins may always have a negative connotation, but in several countries, it has become a popular tourist attraction. For example, in Italy, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum continue to drive tourists into their country. Visitors wanted to see these places as they are historic, educational, and at the same time transport them to a place in time where such monuments were glorious representations of the culture and lifestyle of that period.
At one point prior to becoming a committed follower of Christ, our life too was in ruins. Sin and brokenness may have led to our souls’ destruction but when we surrendered our life to Jesus, what was ruined in our lives had been repurposed.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Allowing God to rebuild our ruins
When we decided to trust Jesus with everything in our life, we in essence allowed Him to renew us. The same power that resurrected Jesus’ from death, is the same power that restored everything that sin and brokenness has ruined in us.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
So how does this happen literally? How does Christ renew our life and give us a new purpose? Well, when we decided to accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, we also committed to step away from sins. We likewise committed to follow His teachings and commands. When we know that we are not doing anything that will offend God and hurt others, our guilt feelings that hinder us from directly coming to the Lord will steadily vanish.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
Our fellowship with God will change our lives
In turn, our fellowship with God, and our growing relationship with Him will open our eyes to the many graces He has given us. Blessings which He has given us long before we decided to follow Him.
While these graces do not necessarily mean material wealth, or exemption from life difficulties, these are blessings that money cannot buy and the world cannot take away. For instance, family that lovingly care for you when you are sick, parents that guide you even though you are a parent yourself already, being able to watch your children grow, a faithful spouse, caring siblings, loyal friends, a job or a business that brings you genuine joy and opportunities to serve, meaningful memories with loved ones, a ministry that allows you to share Christ to other people, and of course, the presence and guidance of God in your daily life.
“And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11
Once our eyes are opened to these truths, we will then be able to appreciate our God-given life more. We will also get to realize that worldly goals are plain worldly and the happiness it brings is fleeting. And as we continue to allow our Messiah to transform us for the better, the ruins that our lives once were, will be repurposed into wonderful creations that shine Jesus’ light into other people’s lives.
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Ephesians 4:17-32 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you already allowed Christ to resurrect the broken and ruined areas in your life?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross for me. Thank you for renewing my life and opening my eyes to the abundant graces you have showered upon me. Please grant me the grace to continue walking in fellowship with you. Amen.
