Chapter 17 Living in Confidence
As we come to the close of this journey together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the
profound truths we've explored, and more importantly, to encourage you to take the
next steps into a life of freedom, healing, and purpose.
What I've shared with you is more than just a collection of insights.
It's a blueprint for the transformative relationship with God that you were created for.
We've established that from the beginning, God's original design for humanity was rooted
in relationship, not rituals.
You weren't created to jump through hoops or check religious boxes to earn God's approval.
You were created to know Him personally, to walk with Him intimately, and to thrive in
the love, grace, and freedom that comes from abiding in His presence.
The story of humanity is one of lost connection and restoration.
Heaven severed that broken relationship, but through Christ, God made a way to restore
what was broken.
The New Covenant is not about rules and religion, but rather love, grace, and direct connection
to the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
It's about cultivating a vibrant, dynamic faith that transforms you from the inside
out.
So, what does it look like to thrive in a direct relationship with God?
It begins with understanding that the transformation you seek and that God wants for you is not
something you achieve through self-effort.
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control—Galatians 5, verses 22 and 23—these things are not characteristics
you produce through sheer determination.
These things are the natural result of God's Spirit working within you.
This is where religion usually places the burden of change on you—your willpower,
your discipline, your self-effort.
But true transformation doesn't come from striving.
It comes from surrender.
It's the Holy Spirit who renews your mind—see Romans 12, verse 2—and gives you the mind
of Christ—see 1 Corinthians 2, verse 16—and equips you to walk in alignment with God's
will.
What you present to the world as a reflection of Christ is not the result of how you've
changed yourself but how God has transformed you and continues to do so.
Living a Spirit-led life means being intentional.
It means pausing regularly to seek God's guidance, listening for His voice, and trusting
His leading.
Whether you're facing major life decisions or navigating the small everyday moments,
invite the Spirit into the process.
He is your teacher, your guide, and your source of wisdom and peace.
To thrive in a direct relationship with God is to align your heart and spirit with His.
It's living in the freedom of the new covenant, unburdened by guilt, shame, or the need to
perform for His approval.
It's cultivating a vibrant life that reflects His love and grace not just in your personal
walk but in your interactions with others.
One of the most powerful ways to reflect Christ to the world is by living a life of
honesty, integrity, compassion, and humility.
These qualities, when empowered by the Holy Spirit, become something far greater than
their earthly counterparts.
They are divine attributes flowing from the throne of heaven into and through you.
This is the essence of a life transformed by God.
Living this way doesn't mean you'll never face challenges.
It means that in the midst of trials and tribulations, you'll have the peace of God
to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4 verse 7.
The wisdom of the Spirit to guide your steps and the assurance of God's love to sustain
you.
This is the abundant life that Jesus promised.
A life of purpose, joy, and intimacy with your Creator.
Now is the time to take what you've learned and put it into action.
The journey ahead is not one you take alone.
God is with you.
His Spirit abides within you and He has provided everything you need to thrive in a relationship
with Him.
Here are some key steps to move forward with confidence.
1.
Cultivate a direct relationship with God.
Make daily time for conversation, for scripture study, and listening.
Seek the Spirit's guidance in all areas of your life and trust God to lead you.
2.
Reimagine your spiritual community.
Find or create a Spirit-led gathering where you can grow, serve, and worship alongside
like-minded believers.
Embrace the freedom and authenticity of the Ekklesia model.
3.
Live out your faith.
Reflect Christ to the world through your actions.
Let the fruit of the Spirit flow through you and let your life be a testament to God's
transformative power. Four, trust the Holy Spirit. Above all, lean into the Spirit's
guidance, wisdom, and power. He is your source of strength, peace, and transformation.
A final word of encouragement. Before you close this book and step into the next chapter of your
journey, I want to reiterate a simple yet profound truth one last time. You were created for a life
of intimacy with God. The longing in your heart for something deeper and more meaningful is not
a coincidence. It's the divine spark within you calling you back to the One who made you.
The path we've walked together in these pages is not about abandoning your faith.
It's about rediscovering it in its purest form and realigning it with Heaven's intention.
It's about breaking free from the constraints of man-made rules and stepping into the freedom
and fullness of life in the Spirit. God's love for you is unwavering. His desire for a relationship
with you is relentless. He sees you, knows you, and wants you to experience the joy, peace, and purpose
that come from walking closely with Him. And the best part? You don't have to earn it. You don't
have to strive for it. It's already yours. All you have to do is say yes. As you move forward,
remember, your faith is not defined by flawed institutions or past wounds. It's rooted in the
unchanging love of God. The Holy Spirit is your teacher, guide, and comforter, equipping you to
live a life of purpose through transformation. Community is not about where you meet but how
you gather, with authenticity, devotion to God, mutual edification, shared purpose, and service to
one another. And lastly, worship is not confined to a time or place. It's the overflow of a heart
aligned with God. So, here's my prayer and declaration over you. You will walk confidently
in the arms of your Heavenly Father. You will hear His voice clearly, feel His presence deeply,
and trust His guidance completely. You will live a life that reflects His love, not because you
strive to change yourself, but because He is transforming you from the inside out.
This is the life you were created for, a life of intimacy with God, freedom in the Spirit,
and purpose in His kingdom. Embrace it fully, live it boldly, and watch as God does more in you
and through you than you could ever imagine. My blessings to you. The rest of the journey is yours
to take. Your past doesn't define you, your mistakes don't disqualify you, and your doubts
don't deter him. God is ready and waiting to meet you right where you are, to speak to your heart,
and to lead you into the fullness of who He created you to be.