Vision 2020Sample

Day 8

Renovation In Progress

Jeremiah 1:10 Today I appoint you to stand against nations and kingdoms. You are to uproot some and tear them down, to destroy and overthrow them. You are to build others up and plant them.

Most of us are familiar with renovation projects. To renovate something simply means that we take what is there, in its present condition, and make it new; we rework it into something different and fresh.

Renovations require a lot of time, effort, expense and expertise, but they are worth it. When the project is done, restored beauty and strength become evident to others.

When we first come to Christ, He starts renovating our lives and relationships. He begins major construction in our hearts. He reworks our lives, restoring the damage done by the devastation of sin and disobedience. His goal is to make us into a beautiful new dwelling, worthy of His abiding glory and presence.

In today’s verse, the prophet Jeremiah was called by God to get involved in a spiritual renovation project in Israel. He was called to uproot, tear down, destroy and overthrow negative strongholds and lifestyles. He was also instructed to build up and plant new and better patterns of living among God’s people. It is a classic picture of what Jesus does in us when we come to know Him.

First, old stuff has to be removed. This means that Jesus busies Himself demolishing, ripping out and destroying the useless garbage we’ve accumulated over time. The rotten areas of our lives are removed. The worn and torn areas are replaced and revitalized.

Once the garbage is removed and the demolition has been completed, the real transformation begins. With a wonderful set of blueprints in hand, Jesus begins teaching us new ways of thinking and begins building into us new life habits and attitudes. He introduces a fresh palette of colors into our lives––colors that reflect His character, His pleasure and His will. We begin to act and respond differently. Our heart feels new—better than ever before. While spiritual renovation is a lengthy and painful process at times, it is necessary and ultimately rewarding!

The changes that Jesus makes in us are not merely cosmetic. They are significant, lasting changes that go to the core––the foundation––of who and what we are. These renovations allow us to function more effectively and efficiently for God. As He works on us and in us, our spiritual confidence increases and we become more useful to Him and winsome to others. We become the beneficiaries of a heavenly makeover! 

What specific changes is Jesus trying to make in your life right now? How are you responding to His efforts to renovate the way you think and act?