{day 23} Repentance

Repentance.

It’s a humbling.

It’s more than “I’m sorry.”

It’s identifying what we did as wrong and grievous before God.

It’s understanding Jesus paid it all.

It’s a 180-degree turn.

It’s a renewing of our mind, will, emotions, and body.

It’s an action.

It’s a life change.

It is being saved.

We’re leaving insignificance behind.

We’re laying down our burdens.

We’re leaning into Jesus.

We are changing our lives. We’re standing up to say no to sin, no to Satan, no to the lies of this world.

We’re kneeling in humble, grateful acceptance of who we are because of the blood of Jesus.

We are exchanging temporary satisfaction for Living Water that will never end.

We are trading in a fading glory for an eternal glory.

A life of repentance is a faith walk. It’s a continual dependence on the One who gives and breathes faith into our mortal bodies. It’s a regular examination of our life to see if we recognize Christ in ourselves (2 Cor. 3:5).

Repentance is a freedom walk.

It’s not an easy stroll. It’s work. It’s turmoil. It’s a fight. It’s a regular denying of self, saying no to the flesh and saying, “Yes” to God.

Walking in freedom is not always a feeling…it’s purposefully choosing to refute and renounce the lies and live the truth.

Real repentance leads us further into God and further away from death.

For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Repentance says, “This ends today. I’m done with living in sin. I’m done with living in my own strength. I’m done with living according to the world’s standards. I’m done with anything that’s not Christ.”

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 2 Corinthians 2:2

Repentance says, “Give me Life, because all else leaves me thirsty and dry.”

Jesus said to her, ”Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

Repentance says, “Today’s the day. A new day again, a chance to live life, to breathe breath and start anew. Put on the armor, stand and resist. The battle is on. We fight to win.”

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

Friends,

real life begins at the Living Well with honest, life-changing, eternity-impacting repentance.

If we don’t start there we will always be reaching, straining, and emptying ourselves for what will never satisfy.

Only Jesus can fill us. Run to Him.

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We’re in the home stretch. Can you believe it?!? It’s been a struggle, a discipline, and a journey. In this last week of 31 Days of Significance, we’re going to soak and rest in the Lord’s good promises, design, and desire for us to walk in significance. Join me?