As Christians, one of our great struggles is to live in the reality that what God has done far outstrips what we were and what we have done. When we live in light of what we were and what we have done, we underestimate the power of God. We remember our past, but we live in light of the present and coming reality. In Colossians 1:21-22, two short verses, Paul writes out the whole sweep of our personal history as Christians.

Colossians 1:21 – And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds…

What you were and what you have done: alienated, hostile, and doing evil deeds.

Colossians 1:22 – …he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.

What God has accomplished: reconciliation, sanctification, and purification.

Never underestimate the power of God.