Growing in His image
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Romans 8:28-30
God has a purpose in everything that is happening in your life. Even before you were born He was already set out in accomplishing His plan for your life. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb” (Jeremiah 1:5). Because of your decision to accept Him in your life as your Lord and Savior, His plan is to have His life in you and that this life gets reflected in the way you live. Whether you are going through tough times or times of ease and success, He had purposed that every event He allows into your life will accomplish His plan. God determined that you would reflect Christ in everything that you do and that you will grow in Christlikeness. When our Lord Jesus Christ was here on earth, He modeled what intimate relationship with the Father looked like. “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (John 15:10). Through His obedience to His Father’s will, Christ had shown to us an example of what remaining in love with the Father was. God’s invitation for you is to continue in the life He started within you. He designed it specifically just for you. What a privilege to know that the Almighty God invited you to be His child, your sins forgiven through His death on the cross, and declared you righteous. There will come a day when you will experience the fullness of God in His glory. “God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:9-10). So while here awaiting for the glorious day, let Him work out His will for your life towards attaining conforming to His image. “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:12-23). Wherever you are, wherever you go and whatever you do be secured in the knowledge that you belong to Christ. Do not take for granted the life of Christ in you. You were given the opportunity to manifest it in everything you do so that people around will have the sure hope that is in you. “For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us” (Colossians 1:27-28).
Blessings,
