So, since we have such a hope, we act with great confidence.

2 Corinthians 3:12 CEB

This hope isn't in Paul's ability, qualifications, learning as good and useful as those things are they do not generate hope.

It's the Spirit of God indwelling. 

We have been sealed by the Spirit and He lives in us (Eph 1:13, 2 Cor 1:22).

God, in some way, lives in us. 

"You weren't written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. You weren't written on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. This is the confidence that we have through Christ in the presence of God. It isn't that we ourselves are qualified to claim that anything came from us. No, our qualification is from God."

2 Corinthians 3:3-5 CEB

And Jesus, resurrected, having been through death for us, qualifies us. 

We're good. 

We're enough.

Because Jesus. 

Some days this is as clear as a winter's morning, and other days it's as clear as mud, we can't grasp it or hold it...becuase it's a "great hope" that will one day become reality. 

Having that hope is what gave Paul confidence. 

What do we need confidence to step into, to step towards today with that the hope provided by Jesus and sealed by the Spirit gives?

Maybe it's simply to face the world, to take the next good step, to smile when we don't feel like it, to serve when we want to be selfish, to choose to love, to honour those parts of us that need healing, to be a friend, to rest.

Because you're already qualified, sealed, safe. 

#corinthians

#alreadyqualified

#hopeishere

#youareBeloved

#sealedbylove