Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Devotion:

Renewal. Even the mention of the word brings to mind new growth, fresh start, and spring flowers. There is something attractive and appealing about renewal. Consider how many of us feel at the beginning of January, at the start of the new year, ready for a fresh start. Hi, my name is Jenny, and I have been made new in Christ. I have struggled with many hurts, hang ups, and habits that do not fit within my 500-word limit for this devotion. One of the most difficult realizations of getting sober was not knowing who I really was—looking in the mirror, I didn't even recognize myself. Having struggled for more than two decades with addictions, I wasn't sure how to spend my days. 

In hindsight, I realized that to find myself, I must first find God. Now I did not plan on this happening. In fact, all the credit goes to the Holy Spirit. I didn't know how much I needed it until God showed me a fresh start. I was invited to church, and my life changed. It wasn’t overnight, but I was forever changed. 

As I began walking with Jesus, I was hungry for the Word of God. Through the Holy Spirit, I found new friends and hobbies. I did the hard work of the 12 Steps. Through Christ alone, I am a new creation. My old self has truly dissipated and is gone. God did not clean up my old self; he created something entirely new. Only our Creator could accomplish such a feat.

I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit's guidance in my life and the opportunity for daily renewal. Through the 12 Steps, I was able to heal and have continuous growth in my day-to-day life. Through daily surrendering and acceptance of the things I cannot change—and the willingness to change the things I can—I have found freedom in Christ. 

Paul states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Paul is reminding us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that accepting Christ into our hearts as our Savior defeats the original sin that characterizes us—the original sin that is deeply rooted in all of us. 

As we apply Christ's teachings to our daily lives, we slowly conquer sin's sway in our everyday attitudes, decisions, and behaviors. Most of us have had to live through moments of poor decision making, lack of understanding, failures, worry and remorse. But with our daily surrender to God, comes a peace and joy that makes all things new. We can take each day as a gift from God to use for him. 

I want to encourage you to consider participating in a 12 Step Study this year. Do the work of dealing with your hurts, habits, and/or hang ups … and let the Holy Spirit guide you into healing.

Position yourself to humbly ask God to create a new heart and fresh start. Pray God will guide you, one day at a time, through this new year. Pray each day that God will supply the wisdom and the strength you need.

PRAYER

Father God, our Creator and Sustainer, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit who guides us into renewal and healing. Thank you for making me a new creation, for giving me a new heart. I ask that you will supply the wisdom and strength I need today to submit to you and humbly follow your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jenny Brown

Crossings Kids 56 Director

Jenny Brown is the Director of Crossings Kids, fifth & sixth grade, at Crossings OKC. She loves spending time in nature where she feels closest to God. Her favorite part of ministry is getting to know the kids and their families. 

Resources: 

• Watch “The Next Right Thing” sermon messages 
• Listen to “Song of Surrender” by Crossings Worship 
• “We Are Royals” by North Point Worship

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