I've been thinking a lot these days about the power of God's Word in our lives. Paul told the church at Rome to "let God transform you by changing the way you think" (Romans 12:2 NLT). And Jesus said that when we know the truth, the truth will set us free (John 8:32) and that "if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
So what does God use in our lives to change our thinking and help us know what is true?
I believe it's God's Word.
We know from Jesus that the Word of God is truth and has a sanctifying influence in our lives (John 17:17). No time is ever wasted when it's spent in the Bible.
God uses His Word with great purpose in our lives. In fact, God Himself speaks about the great purpose of His Word in Isaiah 55:10-11 —
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
Martin Luther wrestled with Romans 1:17 "the righteous one shall live by faith." At first he hated that verse. And then, one day God opened his eyes to its meaning and Luther's life was forever changed. He describes it this way —
At last meditating day and night, by the mercy of God, I … began to understand that the righteousness of God is that through which the righteous live by a gift of God, namely by faith… Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through the gates that had been flung open.
Martin Luther
One promise from God's Word that finds its way to an open, hungry heart, has the power to transform that heart and ultimately change the course of a life.
Dear friend, what promise will have that impact in your life in the coming year? Ask God to open His Word to you as you read it, and show you a promise that seems to have your name written on it. Memorize it and carry it with you, day after day. As you think about its meaning for your life, get ready to have the Lord use it powerfully to transform your thinking and your life.
Lord, today we thank You for Your promises in Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
