"I will put a new spirit within you." (Ezekiel 11:19)
It is normal to welcome good news. Only abnormal, mentally unbalanced folk fail to be affected by something good that is announced or addressed in personal terms.
Almighty God could hardly have offered anything more startling, exciting or far-reaching, than when He announced His personal desire to 'put a new spirit within' any willing heart. What a great gesture? What a marvellous plan? With all the misery associated with our past life, why is it that we refuse this gracious provision? God has taken the initiative - the offer still stands! Now, if it's going to be - then it is up to me!
MEDITATION
I must first of all consider myself unworthy, then count the cost of a handover of everything - my past, my records; my guilt, my wretchedness, my foolishness, my failure, my treatment of others .. and MYSELF. I am willing to be specific in naming my sins, but must base my coming to God on the simple prayer, "God be merciful to me, a sinner".
This sets in motion the kind of change that is a pre-requisite for the wonder-working change God will make, when we are sincere about our desire for personal experience of His promised word, "I will put a new spirit within you". WE must will to have His will fulfilled in us. It is then a case for thanking Him, trusting and taking.
The old spirit has to be exposed: a spirit of rebellion, corruption, contradiction; and then it has to be expelled. Sometimes this bad news is a positive, but painful experience. GOOD NEWS! God is always waiting and willing. Are we?
PRAYER
"You are the God that does wonders", the Psalmist said. 0 Lord, let me not withstand Your sovereign rights to take me and remake me.
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