The Divine Exchange
by Pam Smith
This is the beginning of his amazing grace towards us and the glorious life He longs to give us in His divine exchange. \'What a difference in man’s sin and God’s forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this one man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God’s mercy. Adam’s one sin brought the penalty of death to many, while Christ takes away many sins and gives glorious life instead’ (Romans 5:15 – 16, LB).
When we become followers of Jesus we can experience some of these divine exchanges. Some of these things take place as we grow in our faith and obedience to His Word.
He takes our burdens and gives us His rest. He takes our despair and gives us certain hope. He takes our weakness and gives us His strength. He gives us beauty instead of ashes and the oil of joy instead of mourning. He exchanges a spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. He changes our darkness into His brilliant light.
He became poor that we might become rich. He puts our feet on solid Rock instead of sinking sand. He exchanges His love for our indifference. He changes our worries for His peace. He takes our brokenness and makes us whole. He changes our sadness into a new song of joy. He exchanges our rags for a robe of righteousness. He changes our insecurity into godly confidence. He changes failed lives into new beginnings. He can make the impossible a possibility.
‘For no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit’ (1 Corinthians 2:9 – 10). As you search the Scriptures may you discover many more instances of divine exchanges as in this song by D.J. Butler.
I will change your name, you will no longer be called,
Wounded, Lonely, Outcast or Afraid.
I will change your name, your new name shall be –
Confidence, Joyfulness, Overcoming One,
Faithfulness, Friend of God, One who seeks my face.
Prayer: Thank You Lord, for all Your mercies and the exchanges You are bringing about in the lives of those who follow You. Amen.
Pam Smith has a background in art and nursing, has a son and two daughters and six grandchildren. She has been a friend and helper of Ellel Ministries since l992, and has been involved with Healing Through Creativity Courses. As writer of the Shepherd Love Series, she has a passion for the comfort and encouragement that leads people towards enjoying abundant Life in Jesus.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.
