For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus,…

Welcome to the 17th weekly devotional recap of the year. This week’s articles reminded us of how helpless we were to live righteous lives on our own, and how, by God’s grace, He worked the miracle of changed desires in us

Imagine someone winning a $1 million lottery. The excitement will be through the roof. They’d likely celebrate, call friends, and maybe even quit their job. To them, life is now sorted.

An Olympic athlete is subjected to the highest level of discipline, often spending years training intensely for a sporting event that will be concluded in minutes. They intentionally adjust every part of their lives, including diet, sleep, training, and even relationships, all in pursuit of an earthly prize – gold, silver, or bronze medal that will one day fade.

A runner who keeps looking back risks losing the race. Every backwards glance breaks focus, drains energy and opens the door to stumbling. In the same way, a believer who constantly revisits their old life cannot walk in the power and purpose of salvation.

Looking back on life, we easily notice how our desires shift with time. As children, we long for toys and treats. In our teenage years, we crave freedom and a sense of belonging. Then adulthood brings its pursuits—success, comfort, stability.