Sharing in His Life
Just as a phone comes alive when connected to its power source, we live fully when drawing from the indwelling life of Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Bob Hoekstra draws our attention to one of the most precious realities of the gospel: through God’s promises we are invited to partake in His life. Peter tells us that by the promises of God we become partakers of the divine nature. This does not mean we become gods, for God alone is eternal and divine. Instead, it means that the life of Jesus Himself comes to dwell within us. What a staggering truth, that the Creator shares His own life with those who trust Him.
This shared life is not a vague spiritual idea. It is anchored in the indwelling presence of Jesus. He gave His life for us at the cross so that He might give His life to us in resurrection. He Himself declared that He is the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, and the life. To receive Him is to receive eternal life, and not only eternal in duration, but divine in quality, because it is His life within us.
Paul’s testimony brings this to light beautifully. He knew that his calling and ministry were sustained not by his own resources, but by the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus. That is why he could say with confidence that Jesus was his very life. No longer did Paul live in his own strength. Instead, he lived by faith in the Son of God who lived within him. This is the essence of the Christian life: not self-effort, but participation in the life of Jesus by the indwelling Spirit.
At new birth, the Spirit of God comes to dwell in us. He unfolds these promises through the Word and pours out the life of Jesus through us as we humbly depend on Him. This is not a partial gift, nor a distant hope, but a present reality for every believer. To live by promise is to live by the Spirit, drawing from the endless supply of Jesus Himself.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved child, I have given you exceedingly great and precious promises so that you may share in My life. You were not called to live out of your own strength, but to partake in the divine nature through your union with Jesus. This does not make you divine, but it unites you with the One who is your life.
The life you live now is not sustained by your efforts. It is Jesus living in you. The curse of the law has been lifted, and the promise of the Spirit has been given. My Spirit dwells in you, revealing My Word, unfolding the truth of your union with Christ, and pouring forth His life through you.
You are not left to struggle in emptiness, for I have given you the fullness of My Son. You are not left to grasp for wisdom or peace, for His life is your wisdom, your peace, your strength, and your joy. Walk each moment in trust, knowing that you already share in the life of the risen Lord.
Scripture References: 2 Peter 1:4, Galatians 3:13-14, Isaiah 46:9, John 6:47, John 11:25, John 14:6, 2 Timothy 1:1, Colossians 3:4, Galatians 2:20, John 6:63, Romans 6:4-5, Ephesians 3:16-19.
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine a phone that looks sleek on the outside but has no battery installed. No matter how polished it appears, it cannot function until power fills it from within. The moment a charged battery is connected, the phone springs to life, capable of what it was designed for. In the same way, without Jesus’ indwelling life we cannot live as God intended. When His Spirit takes residence in us, His life becomes our power source, enabling us to live in His fullness.
Today, when I am tempted to act in my own effort, I can quietly turn to Him and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this very moment.” That is where His promises meet my daily steps, and His life becomes my reality.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I am not left to live by my own strength. You have given me the promise of sharing in Your life. I rejoice that in Jesus I have everything I need. His life is my life, His Spirit dwells in me, and His promises are my confidence. I rest today knowing that the fullness of Your Son is already mine.