Wonderful Wednesday – Week 4

YLSC Graphic Week 4

Last week was Holy Week, and Easter Sunday is behind us for another year. But that doesn’t mean we have to stop thinking about new life. It actually is a great reason why we should START thinking about it more.

In Matthew 28, we read about the day when Mary Magdalene and Mary went to the tomb of Jesus, only to find something completely different than they expected. Rather than finding death, they discovered the reality of new life.

Matthew 28:2-10

2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.

5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”

8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

Let’s unpack the key points of this familiar passage with respect to how it relates to this week’s video teaching and where we are in the book.

1 – Notice the guards passed out with fear and were laying there like dead men? Yet, the women stood there in awe, completely coherent enough to speak with an angel. Ever wondered why that is? I wonder if it’s because they already knew that Jesus was the Savior, that He promised to return, that He offered hope, and that He was the answer to peace. The guards had no belief in Jesus, in fact, they had played a role in killing Him. They had no peace and hope. Only fear. These women had strength to face the unknown, because of their faith alone.

2 – The angel encouraged Mary and Mary not be afraid of new life. Jesus had been resurrected, and that was nothing to be afraid of. New life should bring immense joy and hope – whether it is the resurrection of Jesus, or the resurrection of our own hearts because of Jesus.

3 – The angel said “come see”. This angel of God knew these ladies were human, and would want evidence that Jesus was really risen. It gave them permission to see the reality of new life. It wanted them to witness first hand that death had been defeated, and despite all that had happened to Jesus, evil had not won. Don’t we often want to see with our own eyes that what Jesus promises is true? That He CAN have victory over evil?  Especially when it comes to evidence of His grace, redemption and power in our own life and our own struggles?

4 – Then the angel said “go quickly and tell”.  I can only imagine that Mary and Mary wanted to bow down and worship the ground where Jesus had risen from the dead. That they wanted to fall on their faces in awe of the resurrection and the new life they were the first to know about. Yet, the angel said not only to go, but go quickly. Might this be considered a precedence of what we are to do when we experience new life? I remember how thankful I was when I knew Jesus had transformed my heart, and all I wanted to do was be filled with gratitude and let Jesus continue to work in my heart. But He wanted me to “go and share”, not hide my transformation and new life behind a mask. I’m sure He would have preferred I had done it quickly, but He is a patient Savior.

You see, these women were given the greatest testimony to share that was ever told, because of their experience with Jesus. They didn’t just hear about the resurrection and the empty tomb, they lived it. They witnessed death becoming life, and as a result, they were reassured that because they belonged to Christ, they were assured new life too. And so are we, plus, we also have a great story to tell about our new life in Jesus too.

Summary:

  • We can have strength to face the unknown, because Jesus is life and offers life.
  • We can have have hope, peace, and purpose, because Jesus is life and offers life.
  • We can embrace new life, and believe we are new creations in Him, despite the past, because Jesus is life and offers life.
  • We are called to go quickly and tell, and not to waste time sharing the evidence of the power of Jesus, because Jesus is life and offers life.

In Him, we can do all those things, when we choose to embrace that the old us is gone, and the new us has begun.  The old life is over, and new life has begun.  We all have a story to tell because He is new life, and gave us new life in Him.  Just like Mary and Mary, might we have the inner strength because of our faith to face the unknown without fear, but instead with reverent awe and trust, and to excitedly and quickly go and tell all how we too are a new creation with new life, because of Him?

NEXT STEP

Write the questions below in your journal or study guide, and answer them honestly. Don’t worry about being real with your answers, because this activity is for your eyes only, and God already knows anyway. We don’t need to wear a mask with God, and when we realize that, He will give us the power to take that masks off once and for all.

* Have I been thankful for God’s spiritual healing, but hesitant to share what He has done in my life? What is preventing me from really stepping out in faith, and from going quickly? (For example, is it the fear of removing a mask and being real with myself, others and God? Is it because I’m simply afraid of the unknown? Is it because I’m still struggling to believe God could really love me and use me? Is it hard for me to trust God considering all that’s happened in my life? Is it possibly due to thinking that I truly have no hidden potential or purpose in life?)

* In what ways have I become an overcomer and found victory in Christ? How could I share that with others to impact their lives?

* If I’m honest with myself, what hidden potential might be tucked into my heart that I haven’t been willing to embrace yet?

* How might my life change if I truly accepted that I am a new creation in Christ, and the old is gone completely?

Finish your journal time with a prayer to God.  Whatever comes to mind, write it down. Just be real, and let God do His work in you. Then be still and listen. Maybe for a few minutes, an hour, or for several weeks. When we listen and are primed to hear God’s voice, we will hear Him eventually. And when we do, new life can truly begin.

WEDNESDAY GIVEAWAY

Today’s giveaway will be two great books, to two lucky winners! One book will help you discover even more courage to share your story, and the other will help you foster quiet time and a prayer life with Jesus.  Click on the book covers to purchase the book today if you want to secure your copy. To enter to win a free copy, answer the below question in a comment (email replies will not qualify). Winners announced on Friday!

How will the promise of being a new creation with new life, impact you starting today and in the years to come?

 

Screen Shot 2015-04-07 at 7.15.35 PM

Organizing Your Prayer Closet, by Gina Duke 

 

 

 

Screen Shot 2015-04-07 at 7.17.38 PMWhen A Woman Finds Her Voice, by JoAnn Fore

38 Comments

  1. Julie on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 7:59 am

    Thanks Tracie, for another great lesson on new life! Sometimes the idea of new life is simply overwhelming, as I’m currently pregnant with my first. I keep thinking about the things that I need to do or could do, but just the belief that I am a new creation can give me peace for the future. In times of transitions, I’m usually feeling a bit lost on what to do next. But remembering God’s promises help me see that no matter what happens, events that seem random to me now are still part of God’s eternal plan. In this way, I can still have peace in the chaos.



  2. Theresa Cloe on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 8:41 am

    Since I have been promised that I am a new creation and have a new life, I have the confidence to be God’s disciple and help others by sharing my story so that it may bring others to Him.



  3. Sharon C. on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 8:43 am

    It’s wonderful how God ;puts the same thoughts and ideas on us. I was just thinking about my prayer life and walk with God and I said today is a new day. I can put the past behind me. All the mistakes of the past are forgiven. I can start new with the promised that I am a new creature in the Lord. That I don’t have to continue to live in sin. I don’t have to go the road alone, He is with me. I thought about all the struggles I’ve gone through and now with the promises of being a new creature I can walk in close Fellowship and enjoy knowing I’m not alone. I’ve got to start journaling and writing down what God teaches me and then I will have them to share with others and mostly with myself. God is Good!



  4. Miranda miller on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 8:51 am

    Knowing that I am a new creation with a new life will help me start over and not afraid of my past. It gives me freedom knowing I am a new creation in Christ.



  5. Rita on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 9:12 am

    Dear Tracie,
    For me, feelings of shame, even self hatred were paramount until I gave my life to Jesus 10 years ago. No one has a fully untarnished past, each one of us has regrets over some action and we are not perfect. Perfection is not expected with God’s plan but we are expected to take our experiences and grow from them, to move beyond the shame of them and to celebrate what they have taught us. What has gone on before enriches who we are now and through the many experiences we have survived, and have been prepared to help others, to smooth the way for someone else who is searching for a new direction. When we let go of our shame and know instead that it sweetens the nuggets of wisdom we can offer to others. With the love and grace of Jesus, I can share my wisdom. All of my painful pasts can perhaps brighten someone else’s future.



  6. Barbara on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Realizing that I am a new creation and have a new life with a fresh start.Knowing that God loves me unconditionally and that I can be free.



  7. Aubrey M. on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 9:38 am

    A promise of a new life in the reading today reminds me that I can start anew as well. I haven’t stayed on track with my goals for 2015, but that doesn’t me I can’t start fresh and get back on track. With prayer and renewed commitment, I hope to find a new life in Christ.



  8. Susan Ruffa on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 9:51 am

    The promise of new life keeps me going. No matter what clouds my past, Gods renewed my heart and my spirit through Jesus! Thank you Jesus!



  9. Lisbeth L. on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 10:14 am

    I have been given a new life and I am a new person! I have never experienced so many emotions in such a short period of time. The most prominent is a sense of peace in times of turmoil. I am still acclimating to my new and improved spiritual “wardrobe” the Lord has so graciously dressed me in- some days I literally feel as if I wearing someone else’s clothes! Who is this woman? It’s exhilarating and awe-inspiring! I still have moments where I lapse back to the ” old me”, but I quickly beckon God to hold my hand and deliver me from the temptor. ” “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)Remember ladies, HE is always just a prayer away.



  10. Mahogany kees on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 10:44 am

    First I feel having a new life will bring me closer to God. Also I can start my new journey knowing I have God as my pilot. There is so much to be done like spreading the word of God and praying for others and taking even better care of my family. It feels good knowing God is on my side. To God be all the glory amen.



  11. Debra Winterrowd on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11:08 am

    It provides hope and strength!



    • Tammy Barnard on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 4:25 pm

      Agreed!



  12. Michelle Faile on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Great post! I think it provides strength!



  13. verlincia alex on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Thanks again for these great teachings they are truly helping me to transform and I am so excited about my future! Knowing that I am a new creature and that all old things are passed away will help me to not only share my story with close friends or family but with anyone that needs to hear it. I will no longer be concerned about judgment or a reaction I will trust and believe in God that sharing my story will not be for anything and that it will help someone! Being new will also help me to trust God whole heartily and know that He knows all and has a plan. Moving forward I want to be purposeful in everything and to glorify God and all His greatness!



  14. Vonnie Kronk on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11:21 am

    I have been given a New Life in more ways than a believer because I was dead in our accident in 2007. However, the Lord sent an angel to give me CPR before the paramedics came & my husband saw it. He was injured but unable to move towards me. I have a Brain Injury & had to learn many things all over But I knew God & He kept me getting better day by day & I think I am needing to tell my story some day



  15. Susan Lenear on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11:51 am

    Today is a new day! I am free from the past. Jesus has a plan for my future. I will trust in Him.



  16. Debra S on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    The new life feels safe, loving, peaceful, fearless, encouraging, a gentle nudging to go beyond my comfort zone and to take that first step trustingly into His designs for me. Fly free sparrow!



  17. KathrynH on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    being a new creation with new life…means that I have to learn (commit to heart) the promises of God so when I feel doubt or timidness then God can be my strength…this is a new way for me to respond to doubts and fears



  18. Linda N on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    Becoming a new creature in Christ releases me from the shame of periods of my past. It gives me a freedom to step out in confidence knowing that I am not the person from the past with secrets too awful to tell anyone. I can testify to the change in me that could only be the work of God. Even when something from my past is brought up, I can say with honesty that I am not that person anymore, and I have a new identity in Christ.



  19. Naomi on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    I love Jesus, and I thank God He reminds that I am a new creation everyday! He speaks to me through His word.. He is so perfect and has healed the broken pieces from my past. I am free, I am a new creation, I am a child of GOD! Thank you.



  20. Beth on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    I’m going to have a much better attitude than my old self. Being a new creation takes the worry off my mind and the weight of the world off my shoulders. I’m forgiven and Jesus made me free!!!!!!!



  21. Melinda on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    Being a new creation in Christ, means that i dont have to live in fear anymore. Christ overcame the world and because he did i dont have to. I can take up my cross and follow him. I can realize that im notalone and i can rest in the kknowledge of Christ.



  22. Christianne on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    Maybe one of these books will help me figure out how MY story could help someone. It doesn’t seem important enough



  23. Jerri Sargent on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    Knowing that I am a new creation in Christ helps me to try and live one day at a time. We have to try to die to ourselves each day so that we can live for Christ. It is a journey and one I’m not always sure what lies ahead on my path. It is also reminds me that yes I will make mistakes on this journey but hopefully I can forgive myself of those mistakes as Christ forgives me. A new creation is a new beginning and provides hope and encouragement when we need it most.



  24. Deena on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 3:45 pm

    I am not defined by my past, but it can open doors to tell His story



  25. Mary on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    Confidence that I am unrejectable because Christ has accepted me and made all things new. As I allow my mind to be renewed with this thought my life is transformed. I can live from grace to grace.



  26. Tammy Barnard on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    Hello ladies!
    happy Wednesday to you! We have that lovely Texas wind occurring today. Great lesson today, Tracie! Mercy! I have a lot to ponder tonight, so that I can be real. An amazing thing happened to me this morning; and I’d like to share it here if you don’t mind. I got up after having prayer. Grabbed my cup of coffee, sat down to read my devotionals. The out of the blue, I get this nudge~why don’t you just glance at your notes, see if you see what we are building here?? HM? OK~~I begin to look. One thing kept resurfacing, that I wrote numerous times. UNSHAKEABLE FAITH. Although, I’ve always believed, but where was my true faith? Now, I see I am building a great foundation where nothing nor nobody can shake my faith. Brought me to such clarity. WHEW! God is good!!
    Now, to today’s question at hand~~The promise that I am a new creation in Christ. I have to say “Praise God” that I am, because I know the “old” me wasn’t too great. I welcome the change. I hope it shows through. It most certainly will impact me, how I feel about myself. then with all hopes(as I’m still dealing with my marriage situation), it will begin to “rub off” if you will.
    I am learning so much. I am forever grateful.. Have a wonderful day..



  27. Monique Smith on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    It’s been 28 years now since becoming a daughter of our King of Kings And until recently ( the last 6 years) I feared Talking about my past character would cause others to shy away from me. Until I met a dear sister that openly and sencerly shared her life story with me helping me see that we all enter into our Heavenly Papa’s family having been someone else. Now I pray that by sharing with others all my Papa God brought me out of will ignite within them the hunger to let go and let my Papa God do the same for them!



  28. Mary Geisen on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 5:11 pm

    I realize I don’t always remember that the old me is gone and the new me has begun. I hold on tight to things that God reminds me I have already given away when I accepted Him as my Savior. God works hard to pry my fingers off and loosen my grip and I could make it so much easier by just letting go. Today I pray I remember who I am in Christ and remember that He has all my needs taken care of when I just surrender all fear and anxiety to Him. Thank you for these words and for the giveaway today. Blessings!



  29. Sherri on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    I think I am still having a hard time believing these things for myself. However I am hopeful and encouraged by our study. I think if I can really accept and believe that I am a new creation I will have the courage to reach out to other women . I have felt God nudging me to be in women’s ministry … I am excited about it but also scared and unsure … I think by beginning to believe I am a new creation I will have more courage to take a step in that direction 🙂



  30. Dorothy Whittington on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 6:42 pm

    I am so thankful for God making me a new creation. I don’t always remember that though. Some days, it’s a constant reminding myself that I’m not “that person” anymore. I plan to be more reflective of Him in me everyday. I try to replace negativity with positivity and meanness with overwhelming love and kindness. It’s small things but I think they are what He wants and they reflect His continuous work in me.



  31. gina on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    I believe I am forgiven however I cannot learn to let go of the guilt and become the new cleaton God has created me to be. This study is teaching me how to let go piece by piece.



  32. Susie on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    How will the promise of being a new creation with new life, impact you starting today and in the years to come?
    I have yearned to be a speaker for years, on purity, and being unequally yoked, but have not known how, or had the courage to do so. Now I am realizing that it is through Jesus’ courage that I can do it. I don’t know how to get started, but He will show me how! I think I needed to be alone in His presence to be filled by Him and strengthened by His love and encouragement.



  33. Shirley on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    I think remembering that I am a new creation is a day by day reminding myself and telling the enemy to take a hike. I have to stay in His Word each day so I won’t forget whose I am. If I don’t it’s so easy for Satan to sneak back in. I’ve also found if I don’t take care of myself physically I am more susceptible to Satan’s lies. I think the hardest is when I run into someone who knew me in my old life. It brings back a lot of feelings of guilt and shame and I have to remind myself that is not who I am anymore.



  34. Ramona d on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 10:46 pm

    I think that each day holds a new promise for each of us. I start my days and end my days by reading the word. His love and strength is right there for us and whether we are walking in the wilderness or have found our promised land He is always there for us. All we have to do is open up and start a conversation with Him. I have found peace and strength by the knowledge that I am never alone and His unfailing love will carry me through all He has in store for my life. We all have a purpose and our life experiences, disappointments, tragedies, joy and fulfillments are all a part of a much larger plan.



  35. Debbie Putman on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 7:59 am

    My blog post on Tuesday explained how this can impact me now. Based on Colossians 3:1-3, “Set my heat on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set my mind on things above, not on earthly things. For i died–that grumbly, restless, weariness I’ve been dragging around–died. My life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

    I am memorizing that verse (the Scripture, not my application), as my intentional living to abide verse this week. Your clear teaching will help me remember to do these things. Thank you.



  36. Tracy on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 8:17 am

    I believe it would be dramatic if I could truly and completely embrace that I am a new creation in Christ! I would be able to share Gods love and healing power openly and freely uninhibited by insecurity and fear. I would be a free spirit wanting to let the whole world know about what my Jesus has done for me and even better can do for them too! How can I not be shouting from the rooftops!!



  37. Jackie Kancir on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 9:04 am

    Great post, Tracie. I’m so grateful for strong women in Christ who help encourage and build us up. You’re doing a great work!!! Bless you.



Headshot Flipped 2

Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

Living-Unbroken-3DwithShadow

Available Now!

Subscribe to Tracie’s Blog

Receive the Living Unbroken Battle Plan Workbook for free if you subscribe to Tracie’s blog today!
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Tracie's Books