Christian Writers Circle

by Brenda D. Flowers

January 21, 2016 marked a milestone in my life. It was the fortieth anniversary of my spiritual birthday. I have been praying about the significance of this event and have been impressed to write these words.

On our spiritual birthday, when we believe in Jesus as Savior and receive His Spirit, we begin our journey of learning how to experience resurrection life as a new creation. As we daily read God’s love letters to us in the Bible, we learn to put our trust fully in Jesus Christ, not only as Savior but also as Lord of our lives. By spending time in God’s Word and in communication with Him, we learn how He empowers us by His Holy Spirit to be ambassadors of His love to the world. We are successful ambassadors, fulfilling God’s purpose in us, as we reflect His character and as we step forward in His Glory.

As this marks the fortieth year of my journey as a Christian, I am challenged to move forward even more to reach my God-given purpose. Like Joshua and Caleb of the Old Testament, I want to declare with confidence and joy the victory that is possible because God is with me.

Caleb and Joshua never gave up on God’s promise, although they had to live through many difficult circumstances while wandering in a desert wilderness for forty years. I imagine their heartache, as they had to bury loved ones of their generation along that long desert journey. I firmly believe, however, they realized God’s provision and sovereignty. It is evident in the Scriptures that they were thankful for what they learned along the way and gave God the glory.

God also wants us, as Christians, to live our lives focused on Him, not focused on our circumstances. We must be willing to die to our selfish ways to discover the rich fruits of His Spirit and reach our “promised land”, experiencing His Kingdom life on earth as it is in heaven. My prayer for all of us this year is that we each may trust God with our whole heart, knowing He is all we need to live fruitful glorious lives, and may we step forward to fulfill our created purpose. It is in Jesus’ name I pray this prayer, trusting His promises.

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is
the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with
unveiled faces contemplate (or reflect) 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 3:16-18 NIV)