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 ESV
“A new creation”, meaning being restored to God, “the old”, meaning our selfish lifestyles and “the new”, meaning being transformed into the likeness of Christ.
It is important to know that some come to faith with little or no “baggage”, while others come with heavy “baggage”. These can include living in or fleeing a violent relationship, some estranged from children, parents and family. Failed marriage, failed business, drug and alcohol misuse/dependency, and those with serious medical and mental health issues, to name a few.
Praying the “sinner’s” prayer and then progressing on to baptism does not mean the “baggage” suddenly or instantly disappears. Of course, God works miracles and can transform lives in an instant; however, for many of us the transformation will be gradual.
In the church, there are the weak, bruised and vulnerable; they are no less Christians or less saved. So, if you are a new believer or have known the Lord for some time and if today you are asking why your own situation isn’t changing or getting better, take heart, friend! God loves you and He is in control. He gives each of His children a measure of faith and grace to navigate life. Yours, too, shall come to pass! Though it tarries, wait for it!
Too often believers, especially those who have known the Lord for some time—knowingly or unknowingly— tend to make it difficult for the weak and vulnerable to experience the awesome grace of God. They are expected to ‘grow up’ and ‘grow out’ of their challenges. But God is patient with us, He knows our weaknesses, our challenges and our struggles and empowers us through His Holy Spirit to overcome.
If you are bold, strong and confident in the Lord, give God the glory for the measure of faith and grace given to you to navigate life. Then, use this faith and grace to encourage, build up, and nurture the weak, the bruised and the vulnerable amongst us.
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 
truly the baggage will not disappear but God can walk us through it until we become completely restored. Even if it tarries, it will surely come to pass.
In Christ we are more than conquerors
Amen 🙏
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Thank you, Janet, for taking the time to read and comment on the blog. Yes, God will always walk us through to complete restoration because He is a faithful God and I believe He is teaching us trust through the process. God bless and have a lovely week 😊🙏🏼
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