One of the most incredible mysteries in all of physics is called “quantum entanglement.” This is the phenomenon of two or more particles becoming “entangled” in such a way that each particle’s quantum state cannot be described independently of the other, no matter what their location in the universe is. This means that the two particles could be light years apart, but both will react equally and simultaneously to a force acting on just one of them.

When we join our lives with Jesus, something similar happens. Paul wrote, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Joined to Jesus by the Spirit, you might say that we become “entangled” with Christ. Everything about us – our stories, our flaws, our hopes and dreams – becomes redeemed by sharing in the resurrection power of his life. His desires and dreams move in us through his Holy Spirit. Regardless of what we might face here during our time on earth, our true lives are already safe and secure, hidden with Christ in God.

So then why is daily life such a struggle? The ups and downs of relationships, health issues, and job losses can feel pretty far away from being filled with the resurrection power of our risen Savior. This is the unique challenge of the Christian life, one that Paul addresses in one of the next verses: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).

We “fight the fight of faith” each day, receiving anew what the Spirit gradually works out in us. We’re involved in a transforming process through an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. We grow up into Christ. The promise of living an entangled life with Christ is this: that whatever we face each day, the Holy Spirit faces it with us, and will provide the power, grace, and love we need to move step by step toward total transformation into a fully-redeemed life in Christ.

I’m Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.