Alive and Active

by Michael Braun

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” –Hebrews 4:12

Change is inevitable, but God is constant. As a class of 2023 graduate (hurray!), my life is starting to change—fast. All of a sudden the comfort and routine of the life I’ve lived up until now is slipping through my fingers. While I’m preparing to leave from home and venture out into my next season of life, I’m also reflecting on how far I’ve come and who I’ve become. When I look back over recent years, one thing that stands out to me is the relationships God has formed and nurtured in my life.

Specifically over the last few months, I have noticed a significant change in my relationships with others; I feel closer and more deeply connected to family and friends than ever before. It’s clear the Lord is working in and through my relationships, cementing bonds that will not break even when change (inevitably) happens. But this transformation does not occur overnight; it takes intentional effort to know God and take every opportunity to center relationships around His love. For me, this is done by letting the Word of God inform my actions. 

Simply reading the Bible more often has made prodigious changes in the way I live, seeping into every area of my life. Hebrews 4:12 confirms that this is no coincidence, for His Word is truly “alive and active” in all of our lives. By applying God’s wisdom into my life, the Lord has opened doors for me to invest myself into others and capitalize on the relationships He’s built. This includes friends that do not know Jesus. Many of the friends I have now I may not see again or will only see a few times a year, and I feel God inviting me to share my faith with them. By investing my time and effort into understanding and knowing God’s Word, He has strengthened my relationships so that I can boldly share the truth with them and make a difference in their lives before we go our separate ways. 

It is so encouraging knowing that we can rely on God’s Word to bring fulfillment into our lives. When we read the Bible and intentionally seek Jesus, our will begins to align with His perfect will. We will be in conversation with the Lord more often and He will open up opportunities for us to work in the lives of others! 

Lord, thank You that we have access to Your perfect Word, and that it is alive and active. It is so amazing that we can gain Your wisdom and direction for our lives, and I pray that You would transform us through Your Word so that we can live a life pleasing to you. Amen!