The Spirit Gives Real Life

Romans 8:11

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

Not only does the Holy Spirit indwell a Christian, He gives life to our mortal bodies in ways we could not previously imagine before salvation.

Prior to my salvation in prison, I can see now that I had not really lived life to the fullest. Even when I had a great job, family and material possessions, I was empty inside, and had no peace and contentment.

Then, when I suddenly and foolishly walked away from my family and my job, and lost all those possessions, I was overcome with depression, hopelessness, and despair. I was also still empty, and without peace. Inside, I was filled with turmoil, indecision, self-accusation, and self-loathing.

Now I understand progressively more every day what it really means to have the abundant life Jesus came to give us (see John 10:10). The same powerful Spirit the Father used to resurrect Jesus (see April 26 devotional) lives in me, and powerfully provides everything I was missing before Christ!

As I learn to more fully surrender to Him, I am blessed with more of His fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. These are the character qualities of Christ, and in Him alone is real life!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Thank the Father for real life in Christ through His Holy Spirit living in you. Write down some of the differences between your life prior to salvation, and now. Rejoice and be glad!

Dive Deeper: Study Romans 8; John 10:1-10; John 5:24, 39-40.