The Grace of New Birth

Robert Schaetzle

For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved. 

The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” 

Romans 10:1-11 RSV.

Yearning to know our Lord’s intent or desire over some matter? Youngsters growing up may long to recognize a childhood dream. 

Young adults have concerns about choosing a vocation, and what academic school they might like to go to, or whether they will be accepted. 

In midlife, one might be concerned over ‘should I take this position, or move my family far from where we are?’ 

Once retired, one might be concerned about downsizing and seeking to want to better serve others in honoring God, and/or wanting to be near loved ones.

Something C. H. Spurgeon wrote, “For a while you may be called to ‘stand still,’ but this is only to renew your strength for some greater advance at the appropriate time. 

We think we must be doing something right now, instead of looking to the Lord — even though it is Jesus who will not only do something, but everything.”

Finding rest in the power of God’s sufficiency is recognizing when I am weak, then I am strong. 

One can better understand what Paul wrote from 2 Corinthians 12:9 RSV ‘but he said to me, 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’

How blessed I’ve been through all my years, and now that I am one of those called ‘a senior saint’, or ‘golden-ager’, I continually desire to listen to the voice of God’s word. 

It slows me down, even more than I already am in my old age, rather than listening to the temptations of the flesh.

Father, though I’m old, I am I am still a child of ‘new birth.’

Robert serves in a Sharing and Caring Ministry to strengthen and encourage God’s presence in us. Contact