The Exchanged Life
Resting Upon God’s Strength
“The Exchanged Life” is a term coined by China Inland Mission founder Hudson Taylor. The term is based on Isaiah 40:31 NKJV, “But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” The word “renew” can be translated as exchange. The idea of changing of one garment to another. We exchange our weakness for Christ strength. The Christian who attempts to live life in their own strength will struggle to find joy. But the moment we rest in the Lord’s strength we find a contentment beyond our imagination. The Apostle Paul reaffirms this principle in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
The Exchanged Life is a life of dependence on the Savior. Our culture values independence. But God created us to be dependent on Him. So many pastors, leaders and laymen suffer burnout in their spiritual journey. Why? Self-effort. We struggle to work for God instead of allowing Jesus to work in us. Our self-effort doesn’t yield anything. The moment we begin to rely upon Jesus Christ our lives begin to bear fruit for God’s kingdom. The Lord Jesus shares in John 15:5 NKJV, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Did you catch the last part of that verse? “for without Me you can do nothing.”
The Exchanged Life also brings a recognition of our new identity in Christ. Many believers struggle to live the Christian life. But what an amazing moment when we realize the power of the cross and the presence of Christ. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ desires to live out His life in us. Galatians 2:20 NKJV, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Every Christ follower needs to arrive at the realization they’ve been crucified with Christ and that He is living in them. Our lives haven’t simply been reformed. We’re not just buying into some spiritual fad. No, we’ve died and now Christ lives! We need to identify our present life with Jesus Christ, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. Yes, Jesus lives in us and our identity is in Him.
I invite you to contact me if you would like more information or clarification.