This month something big happened in our family. Our lineage expanded, and our family tree grew another branch. My nephew and his wife had their first child, a son. And with this precious new life, our next generation begins to unfold while I get to revel in the joys of being a great-aunt. To say our family is over-the-moon would be an understatement. We’re grateful for the gift this is to all of us, most especially to their young family who is beginning a series of so many new and memorable firsts.

New life is a big deal. It is often celebrated on a grand scale, particularly these days. There are announcements, photos, reveals and showers. There are cakes, balloons, colors and videos. There are big and little milestones recorded and commemorated before, during and after birth and for many years following. It is an exciting time, a fresh start and a new chapter marked with hope, joy, growth and wonder. Truly an eye-opener to God’s highly intricate and detailed design from conception to birth and beyond. It is anything but random and nothing short of incredible and awe-inspiring down to the cellular level!

Life is a miracle, and new life begs the question: do you see it?

Thankfully, because of Jesus, we don’t need to wait for a new baby to experience all the good that comes with new life. Yet, the big question remains the same: do you see it? It’s common to be drawn to salvation in Christ for the reward and glory of an eternal Heaven. No doubt, that will be beyond comparison and more fulfilling than we can even comprehend. But we should not overlook what we’ve been given as believers for this life, today. We have the gift of new life for our time on earth before Heaven. (I imagine most of us are hoping for many years here, so this should not be overlooked!) We must be open to see what God has for us now, or we’ll miss such a huge part of the glory of salvation.

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)

When we pledge our faith to Jesus Christ, we become brand new people on the inside. We immediately receive the Holy Spirit, and He gives us new life with His indwelling. We are not the same people anymore, because we’ve been re-created in vital union with Jesus. And we aren’t merely a new person, but we also have a whole new and life-changing power that comes from a new covenant, new perspective, new spirit and new community. We are able to see an entirely new order of all creation under Christ’s authority and supremacy.

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. (Romans 8:11)

How could we remain the same when the same Spirit who prevailed over death resides in us, alongside our innermost being? We can walk in confidence with a greater aptitude, because the Spirit empowers us, advocates for us and intercedes for us and our good (Romans 8:26-28). Our new life is more equipped with spiritual gifts too. Scripture tells us that the Spirit gives each one of us gifts to be used in our lifetime, making us more effective for the purposes He has given us (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). We are made more effective and capable to do good works than we could ever have been on our own. Even more, we gain “fruit” from our intimacy and shared life with Jesus: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control are ours for the receiving (Galatians 5:22-23).

Do you see it?

Friends, it’s a valuable question for this life we’ve been given. We have years on this earth. We have people around us. We have influence and opportunity. Are we using our new life in Christ to accomplish our purpose, to give Him glory and to share the Good News?

Ask anyone alive if they want to be successful, and I’ll bet nearly everyone says, “yes!”. Without question, success for a Christian isn’t about striving, riches or fame, but about submission and obedience to God. It’s simply listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and reminders of how to best use our new life and new abilities in Him. It may be as simple as opening our Bibles, or being as bold as asking someone about their faith. Regardless, it starts with a heart to listen and a desire to make the most of this new life we’ve been given. 

Opportunities await. Power and potential are within you. Do you see it? Start by placing your faith in Jesus. If you’ve done that already, then ask Him to help you hear the Spirit within you and give you the courage do what’s being asked of you. Your new life has new reward. Right here, long before Heaven. And with all the potential to impact your lineage with new beginnings and new miracles worth celebrating and documenting. 

This new life, it’s more than possible. It’s promised.

Do you see it? 

Lord, thank You that we can have immeasurable hope in You. Thank You for Your ability to make our lives more meaningful and fulfilling than we could ever do, and thank You for Your kindness that allows us to rest in Your voice, versus our striving to be important. Help us to hear Your calling and to see the beauty of new life in You. In Jesus’ Holy name, Amen.