New

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" -2Cor 5:17

Until almost a year ago, I didn't really know what those words meant. It seemed like something a lot of religious people say to make themselves sound good.

But I can now say that I AM a new creation in Christ.

Almost one year ago, God spoke to my heart and told me to volunteer with the youth at church. Honestly, I was pretty sure He'd spoken to the wrong person....but I kept hearing the same message. So with very little experience around students, never having been to a youth group myself growing up, and a heart full of doubt, I jumped in and joined the journey.

My life has never been the same since.

So far, it's been one crazy, amazing ride. Growth. Gossip. Worship. Late nights. Service projects. Lots of pizza. Friendships and relationships with students and adults I can't imagine living without.

But the biggest change...is me.

I feel transformed, like I'm not even the same person. I find I don't want to do things I used to like, and liking things I never liked before. My life priorities have markedly changed. I've realized how selfish I've been, and how many idols I've kept in my heart.

Massive renovation is occurring in my heart. God is not in the business of just fixing up the superficial; He tears down all the walls and barriers in your heart to rebuild you anew.

Although, the old me still surfaces from time to time. I don't like her as much as I thought I did. I struggle to change my thoughts and behaviors, and she comes out less and less over time.

On Sunday, a new year of Advance begins. My heart is full of excitement, questioning, anticipation.

Scary. Exciting. Exhilarating.

What will God teach me this year?

What situations will I find myself in to learn these lessons?

How will God use me to advance the faith of my girls?

What will God ask of me this year?

I try to imagine what this year will bring, but I know that I can't. Life, following God, is way better (and sometimes more challenging) than anything beyond your wildest dreams and imaginings.

I just know that something big and beautiful is coming. Something that will make me even more of a new creation, inside and out.

The change, the growing never stops, does it? God is always making us into something new.

And that, my friends, is good news!