Renewed Day by Day

Lead a life worthy of your calling…

Ephesians 4:1 NLT

 A few people I know have lived a life worthy of their calling. They “finished strong.” They fought the good fight. When those true saints stand before Jesus, they are likely going to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant!” You can probably think of a few of them you know, too!

These people exemplify Paul’s message…

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future (Ephesians 4:1-4 NLT).

Have you wondered… how do I do that? How do I finish strong?

I have. When I was younger, it seemed easy to finish strong. I had strength and energy. I was ready and I loved the idea of pursuing a life worthy of my calling! But as I have aged, I struggle with a human body that often runs out of strength. It is getting harder and harder to have the energy to keep up with it all. Even though I have the desire, I simply lose my fizzle.

What do I do? Is there a solution?

I recently came across this verse…

Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us… Therefore, we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:7,16 CSB).

Wow, this explains it! The Lord intentionally sets this stage of my frailty, so that it will be obvious that God’s supernatural power within me is from Him, not me.

Paul encourages me day by day… to go through my life, focusing on my relationship with the Lord and the supernatural power of God’s presence within. This is the treasure! My strength will be renewed by His Holy Spirit. I am to trust Him to fill me with His amazing love, strength, and peace. He will help me live the worthy and called life.

Father, in the quiet of my heart, You speak to me whispering, “Child, focus on My presence within you, not on the outside. By My Spirit, I will renew you.” Lord, help me keep my focus on You so I will be renewed day by day and live worthy of my calling. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis