We just moved into a new home. We are now about the business of making it our own. New colors, new furniture, new fixtures....As nicely as the former owners decorated, we want to change it, make it reflect us. Think about this for a moment. When we come to Jesus, isn't this exactly what He does with us? He transforms us, making us His own, changing us to reflect Him.
But oh the process! Things get ripped out, cut apart, discarded. But unlike bad plumbing or an ugly paint color, we like our "bad" stuff. We are comfortable with it. And getting rid of it hurts! It's hard! LOL
2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! We are becoming a new person. And that process doesn't happen overnight....my house renovations don't happen overnight either, they are slow and sometimes painstaking. Trades people don't call when I'd like them too. Supplies are not available. Too many trips to the store. There's prep work, drying time, touch ups, clean ups. And so it is with our own growth. The Bible doesn't tell us we will be changed overnight (not until Jesus returns anyway).
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. A process, one step at a time.
God has a plan for us. Romans 8:29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. We are to become like His Son, Jesus Christ. It's a process we need to be patient with. I know for myself, I want to see all the changes right now! I don't want to have wrong thoughts, wrong desires. I don't want to sin or fail, usually in the same areas over and over again. I want all my defects and sinfulness gone!! Do you think if that happened we may start getting prideful or maybe forget our need for God?
Paul said it best in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. Paul learned to rely on God, and let God's glory shine through him, even through his weaknesses. And we can do that too.
As each room in my home transforms, I am reminded that each area in my heart is being transformed as well. God is at work, slowly, methodically, earnestly, consistently. Nothing is left to chance, nothing escapes His loving, wise touch. Every day a life lesson, every day pointing to my Savior.
We are not on our own We have the Bible and the Presence of the Lord with us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. John 14:25-26 25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Be patient with yourself. Let God's timing and wisdom reign. He is changing each or us into the image of His Son...we will shine for Him. What an amazing, perfect God we serve.
Thank You Lord! For Your message today, for Your work in our lives and for Your Presence always. In Jesus powerful Name. Amen.
God isn't finished with you yet!
