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driving on a new road



Since this new way gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.

But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

When I was very young, one of my heroes was my uncle.  He was an Air Force pilot who trained other pilots.  We would visit my aunt and uncle and their family in Texas from time to time, and I have lots of great memories that include seeing air planes, jumping on the trampoline wearing his flight helmet and much more.

My uncle had an old corvette.  I would guess it was from about 1967, and it was set up as a race car because I remember that the gas tank lid was bigger thank normal to accommodate how race cars are filled with fuel.  On one visit I remember my uncle taking me for a ride in his corvette on a brand new highway.  It might not even have been open yet.  They lived in north Texas where the land was pretty flat.  I remember his driving up on that road and opening up the car.  It was like we were flying.  No other cars were in sight.  I have no idea how fast we were going, but with my uncle driving we were having fun.

New roads are cool.  It is fun to see where you are going on the new pavement.  The Christian life is much the same way.  God has changed our lives.  He has removed the old and given us new life.  We are forgiven and given opportunities that wouldn’t come our way unless we are on a new road.

Those new roads provide challenges along the way.  It is like using a GPS that doesn’t know the new road and asks you tor turn around or shows you are driving through a field or through water.  The flesh and our natural man says that the way of faith is not right, it doesn’t feel right and needs to be avoided.  New roads take us to new places and allow us to see what we have never seen before.  That is what God is opening up for us.

God’s desire for us is for abundant life.  His plan for us includes success, strength and making a difference.  Those who follow God will long for and spend time on the new roads that God supplies.  Faith leads us to go on adventures, to take risks and to experience God in bold, great ways.

Thank God for these new roads.  Thank God for the adventure ahead of us as we follow Him.  I can’t wait to see what is next.

What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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