March 5, 2026 

Paul explains in Colossians 2:12-13 that through faith in Christ, believers are buried with Him in baptism and raised to new life. Even when we were spiritually dead, God made us alive with Christ and forgave our sins.

Devotional: There are moments in life when we realize we cannot go back to who we used to be. Sometimes that realization comes after failure. Sometimes after loss. Sometimes after God opens our eyes to something new. Either way, we recognize that change isn’t optional. Something has shifted, and we need a new way forward.

Colossians speaks into that experience with powerful imagery. Paul describes faith as moving from death to life. That language may feel dramatic, but it captures something deeply true. Without God, we remain stuck in patterns that drain hope and direction. With Christ, a new beginning becomes possible.

Lent is a season that invites us to notice where old patterns still hold us. We become aware of attitudes that keep us distant from God, fears that shape our decisions, and habits that weaken our spiritual life. That awareness is not meant to produce shame. It is meant to open the door to renewal.

Paul reminds us that God is the one who makes us alive. We do not rescue ourselves. We respond in faith to what God has already done. Baptism becomes a symbol of that truth, dying to what was and rising into something new. Even if we were baptized long ago, the spiritual reality continues unfolding throughout our lives.

Moving from death to life often happens gradually. We begin noticing patience where anger used to live. We feel hope where discouragement once settled. We respond with grace where we once reacted with frustration. These small shifts are signs that God’s life is growing within us.

The past does not hold ultimate power. Forgiveness changes the story. God’s life becomes stronger than what once defined us.

As Lent continues, we are invited to trust that God is still raising us into newness. The journey may take time, but the direction is certain. Life in Christ always moves toward renewal.

Action: Reflect on one pattern or attitude that feels life-draining. Ask God to help you release it and receive the new life He offers instead.

Prayer: Living God, thank You that You bring life where there was death. Thank You for forgiveness that lifts burdens and creates new beginnings. During this Lenten season, help me trust the work You are doing within me. Give me courage to release what belongs to the past and walk forward into the life You are creating. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day: God’s forgiveness opens the door to new life.

Colossians 2:12-13 reminds us that faith in Christ means moving from death to life. Lent invites us to release old patterns and trust the renewal God is bringing within us.