Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) - Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.
I was recently looking out one of my windows and noticed that the bushes that were so beautiful this past summer, now look dead and useless. This made me think about the times when I’m reminded of my past and I begin to question whether or not I am useful to God. Have you ever been in this place? A place where you no longer felt connected to God, but somehow felt condemned and useless?
When I find myself in that place, God quickly reminds me that I didn’t choose Him. On the contrary, He chose me before the foundation of the world and continues to choose me each day. This reminder helps me know that I am connected to God through Christ and that I am no longer condemned. I am connected to THE Source of life that sets me free from sin and death and EVERY thought that would try to lead me to believe that I am useless and have no purpose. I am not condemned, I am CONNECTED!!!
Thinking back to the bush in my yard, I know that come Spring, it will begin to bloom again because it is still connected to its source of life. Unless I cut the bush down, it will bloom again and bear fruit. Likewise, as long as you remain in Christ and Christ remains in you, you will bloom again and bear fruit (John 15:4). It’s when you allow condemnation to disconnect you from The Source that you feel useless, unworthy, uncalled, and unchosen. God wants to remind you that He chose YOU! He still chooses YOU! So, instead of feeling condemned, allow God to set you free, stay connected to The Source of life, healing, and purpose and you will bloom again and again and, again, and you will bear much fruit! Declare right now, “I am not condemned, I am CONNECTED!!”
