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- Apr 25, 2006
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Formation
'GOD IS MAKING NEW LIFE' 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17
In our life we are overwhelmed with 'information'. But so often information isn't what we need. What we need to face the challenges of life is 'formation', the shaping of our lives into the people God destined us to be. The responsibility for this formation belongs to the Holy Spirit, the living, active presence of God who is with us every second of every minute of every day, concerned with every detail of our development.
Paul writes, 'Every detail works to your advantage...So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace' (2 Corinthians 4:15-17 TM). Note the words, 'we're not giving up.' Any time we want to move forward, obstacles are going to get in the way, and God's Word teaches us that we should expect nothing less.
The author HG Wells asked, 'What on earth would a man do with himself if something didn't stand in his way?' Why did he say that? Because pushing against stuff strengthens our muscles!
Each obstacle we overcome teaches us something new. We start shaping up, getting smarter and more confident. Check history, the greatest people were those who faced the most difficult challenges and found their true selves in the process!
written by Bob Gass
'GOD IS MAKING NEW LIFE' 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17
In our life we are overwhelmed with 'information'. But so often information isn't what we need. What we need to face the challenges of life is 'formation', the shaping of our lives into the people God destined us to be. The responsibility for this formation belongs to the Holy Spirit, the living, active presence of God who is with us every second of every minute of every day, concerned with every detail of our development.
Paul writes, 'Every detail works to your advantage...So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace' (2 Corinthians 4:15-17 TM). Note the words, 'we're not giving up.' Any time we want to move forward, obstacles are going to get in the way, and God's Word teaches us that we should expect nothing less.
The author HG Wells asked, 'What on earth would a man do with himself if something didn't stand in his way?' Why did he say that? Because pushing against stuff strengthens our muscles!
Each obstacle we overcome teaches us something new. We start shaping up, getting smarter and more confident. Check history, the greatest people were those who faced the most difficult challenges and found their true selves in the process!
written by Bob Gass
