Jesus Is: Finding Hope and Transformation in Christ's Presence
Jesus in You: The Hope That Transforms Our Lives
As I reflect on this past Sunday’s message, I am reminded of the profound truth that Jesus Christ is not just beside us, above us, or for us — He is *in* us. This reality is the foundation of our hope, especially when life feels overwhelming, and circumstances seem unchanging. I want to share some thoughts from my heart about what it truly means to have Christ living in us and how that shapes our journey of faith.
The Hope of Christ Living in Us
In the midst of suffering, Paul’s words in Colossians 1:24-29 resonate deeply: *"Christ lives in you."* This isn’t just a comforting phrase; it’s a revolutionary truth. It means that the eternal, powerful Creator of the universe dwells within us. Not just when we’re feeling spiritual or strong, but in the darkest moments — when we’re waiting in hospitals, facing loss, or walking through grief. Christ’s presence is active, shaping us even in the struggle. It’s a hope that doesn’t depend on circumstances getting better but on Jesus being present with us in the midst of them.
Living with the Presence of Jesus Today
Too often, we think of hope as something for someday — a future promise. But Paul reminds us that Jesus in us is a present reality. It’s the hope of sharing in His glory, right now. Whether we’re in a hospital room, battling illness, or enduring personal loss, His presence is our strength. It’s not about wishful thinking but about trusting that Jesus is actively working within us, transforming us through our pain and waiting.
Transformation in the Midst of Pain
Many of us carry heavy burdens. Some face diagnoses that shake their world, others wrestle with disappointment or unfulfilled dreams. Yet, Paul shows us that even in these moments, Christ is forming something in us. His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we feel weak, Jesus’s power is made perfect — and that’s where true strength is found. Our suffering isn’t meaningless; it’s the soil where Christ’s character is cultivated in us.
The Call to Belong and Grow Together
Another vital part of this journey is community. Paul’s prayer for the believers in Colossae was that they would be encouraged, united, and rooted in love. We are not meant to walk this path alone. Belonging to Jesus means belonging to one another. We need each other’s encouragement, wisdom, and support — especially when the journey is hard. Sharing our unfinished stories, our struggles, and our doubts helps us grow in faith and maturity. It’s in community that we find strength and accountability.
Letting Go of Self-Reliance
Our pride often keeps us from opening up and sharing our mess. We want to appear strong, to have it all together. But the truth is, we’re all unfinished works. We need to let others into our stories, trusting that Jesus is working in us even when we don’t see immediate results. It’s not about striving in our own strength but resting in His power. As we sing “Yet not I, but through Christ in me,” we are reminded that our growth and transformation come from His presence within us.
A Life of Maturity and Fruitfulness
Our ultimate purpose isn’t just to be saved but to become more like Jesus. That’s a lifelong journey of transformation — marked by responding with grace, forgiving others, trusting God in waiting, and bearing the fruits of the Spirit. When Christ lives in us, we begin to reflect His character more and more, pointing others to His glory.
The Power of Belonging
Finally, Paul’s words in Colossians 2:1-3 remind us that our faith is deeply relational. We are called to encourage one another, to be knit together in love, and to understand the mystery of Christ — that all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. We are not meant to carry this alone. Belonging, community, and shared faith are vital for our growth.
In Closing
As you go from here, I pray you remember: Jesus is in you. He is shaping you, transforming you, and giving you hope today — not someday. Let’s be honest about our unfinished stories, share our struggles, and lean into community. Because when we do, we bear fruit that honors Jesus and points others to His glory.
May we belong deeply to Him and to one another. May we trust that Christ in us is enough, even when life doesn’t seem to get better. And may we go in His power, not our own.
As I reflect on this past Sunday’s message, I am reminded of the profound truth that Jesus Christ is not just beside us, above us, or for us — He is *in* us. This reality is the foundation of our hope, especially when life feels overwhelming, and circumstances seem unchanging. I want to share some thoughts from my heart about what it truly means to have Christ living in us and how that shapes our journey of faith.
The Hope of Christ Living in Us
In the midst of suffering, Paul’s words in Colossians 1:24-29 resonate deeply: *"Christ lives in you."* This isn’t just a comforting phrase; it’s a revolutionary truth. It means that the eternal, powerful Creator of the universe dwells within us. Not just when we’re feeling spiritual or strong, but in the darkest moments — when we’re waiting in hospitals, facing loss, or walking through grief. Christ’s presence is active, shaping us even in the struggle. It’s a hope that doesn’t depend on circumstances getting better but on Jesus being present with us in the midst of them.
Living with the Presence of Jesus Today
Too often, we think of hope as something for someday — a future promise. But Paul reminds us that Jesus in us is a present reality. It’s the hope of sharing in His glory, right now. Whether we’re in a hospital room, battling illness, or enduring personal loss, His presence is our strength. It’s not about wishful thinking but about trusting that Jesus is actively working within us, transforming us through our pain and waiting.
Transformation in the Midst of Pain
Many of us carry heavy burdens. Some face diagnoses that shake their world, others wrestle with disappointment or unfulfilled dreams. Yet, Paul shows us that even in these moments, Christ is forming something in us. His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we feel weak, Jesus’s power is made perfect — and that’s where true strength is found. Our suffering isn’t meaningless; it’s the soil where Christ’s character is cultivated in us.
The Call to Belong and Grow Together
Another vital part of this journey is community. Paul’s prayer for the believers in Colossae was that they would be encouraged, united, and rooted in love. We are not meant to walk this path alone. Belonging to Jesus means belonging to one another. We need each other’s encouragement, wisdom, and support — especially when the journey is hard. Sharing our unfinished stories, our struggles, and our doubts helps us grow in faith and maturity. It’s in community that we find strength and accountability.
Letting Go of Self-Reliance
Our pride often keeps us from opening up and sharing our mess. We want to appear strong, to have it all together. But the truth is, we’re all unfinished works. We need to let others into our stories, trusting that Jesus is working in us even when we don’t see immediate results. It’s not about striving in our own strength but resting in His power. As we sing “Yet not I, but through Christ in me,” we are reminded that our growth and transformation come from His presence within us.
A Life of Maturity and Fruitfulness
Our ultimate purpose isn’t just to be saved but to become more like Jesus. That’s a lifelong journey of transformation — marked by responding with grace, forgiving others, trusting God in waiting, and bearing the fruits of the Spirit. When Christ lives in us, we begin to reflect His character more and more, pointing others to His glory.
The Power of Belonging
Finally, Paul’s words in Colossians 2:1-3 remind us that our faith is deeply relational. We are called to encourage one another, to be knit together in love, and to understand the mystery of Christ — that all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. We are not meant to carry this alone. Belonging, community, and shared faith are vital for our growth.
In Closing
As you go from here, I pray you remember: Jesus is in you. He is shaping you, transforming you, and giving you hope today — not someday. Let’s be honest about our unfinished stories, share our struggles, and lean into community. Because when we do, we bear fruit that honors Jesus and points others to His glory.
May we belong deeply to Him and to one another. May we trust that Christ in us is enough, even when life doesn’t seem to get better. And may we go in His power, not our own.
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