Today, my loving, compassionate three-year-old son jammed my finger between two rapidly swinging doors at church. It reminded me of a prayer I’d prayed years ago: “Jesus, change me.”Remembering the pain of those doors on my fingers, I was like, “Hmmm.” Jesus did that thang! All I can say is praise God for the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit! GIRL!!!!! I am definitely transformed by Jesus.
Years ago, I would have said: “(*&^%?&!”
For sure, if that had happened about 30 years ago, I might have shouted out a few “choice” words that would have had me thrown out of the church… off the block…and out of the denomination!
Again, I have to say it! Praise God for changing a raggedy life like mine and conforming it more to His image!
Being Transformed by Jesus doesn’t happen overnight.
It didn’t happen immediately. Being transformed by Jesus didn’t happen as quickly as I would have liked. Quite the contrary. It seems it took forever! But I see His work in me, and I see how different I am now from the weak, worn, sobbing girl who walked that long church aisle to give my life to him some thirty years ago.
Little by little, I see His Word take shape in my life, and I love it! Am I perfect? Of course not. Get outta here! But I’m a work in beautiful progress!
In this phone, I’m nowhere NEAR that 100% mark. It’s just an image. 😀
How Jesus changed my life
Before encountering Jesus, I was trapped in a cycle of insecurity, desperately seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places and battling a persistent cloud of depression.
As the song says, I felt like a ship lost at sea, drifting without purpose or anchor.
No amount of external validation or achievements could silence the internal doubts that haunted me. But then, in the midst of my darkest days, I encountered Jesus Christ. His love enveloped me in a way I had never experienced before.
Slowly, the chains of insecurity began to loosen as I grasped the truth that my worth wasn’t defined by external standards, but by the unchanging love of my Father. Through prayer and immersion in His Word, Jesus became my source of fulfillment. The void that once seemed insatiable started to fill with a deep sense of purpose.
His light dispelled the darkness of my depression, and I found joy in His promises. Jesus didn’t just change my circumstances; He transformed me from the inside out, making me secure in His love, fulfilled in His purpose, and free from the shackles of depression. Today, my life is a testament to His redeeming power and unending grace.
He is still changing me step by step. Moment by moment.
Three necessities to being transformed by Jesus
To embark on this transformation in Christ, you’re going to need three things:
- The attitude and desire to change.
- Consistent time with God to be “under construction” in prayer and Bible reading.
- A good, strong, Bible-believing church to attend.
Attitude to be transformed by Jesus
To grow in Christ, it is important to be humble and willing to learn. Approach your faith journey with an open heart, ready to receive God’s Word and guidance.
Cultivate a spirit of gratitude, acknowledging the blessings and lessons in every circumstance. Patience is key; spiritual growth is a gradual process. Maintain a consistent prayer life, seek intimacy with God, and be receptive to His promptings through the Holy Spirit.
Embrace a resilient attitude, understanding that challenges are opportunities for refinement. Foster a love for God’s Word, studying it regularly to deepen your understanding and connection with Him.
Finally, practice obedience, aligning your actions with biblical principles. Make it your lifestyle. A humble, patient, grateful, and obedient attitude lays a solid foundation for continuous growth in your relationship with Christ.
Time with the Lord is key to being transformed by Jesus.
Engaging in Bible study is a transformative journey that profoundly fortifies our Christian foundation. Delving into the Scriptures provides an intimate understanding of God’s character, fostering a faith built on knowledge and trust.
The wisdom gleaned from the Bible serves as a magnificent compass, guiding our decisions and actions in perfect alignment with the teachings of Christ. It is like a heavenly GPS, showing us the right path to walk, and helping us navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and wisdom.
Immersing ourselves regularly in the Word is like taking a refreshing dive into a pool of knowledge and inspiration. It’s not just about reading words on a page; it’s about diving deep into the depths of God’s wisdom and allowing it to transform our minds and hearts.
As we spend time in the Bible, we find ourselves being renewed from the inside out. Our thoughts begin to align with Christ’s perspective, and our actions become a beautiful reflection of His love and grace. It’s like a divine makeover for our minds, shaping us into the best version of ourselves – the version that lives according to God’s principles.
Beyond personal growth, Bible study nurtures a deep connection with God, fostering intimacy and reliance on divine guidance. Personally, I have found that studying the Bible alongside a community amplifies the experience, offering fellowship, mutual encouragement, and a shared commitment to spiritual development. Ultimately, Bible study has empowered me, providing the knowledge, discernment, and inspiration needed for a life of service, love, and compassion modeled after the example set by Jesus Christ.
Go to church and be transformed by Jesus!
Regular church attendance is important for individuals to become better Christians. It provides a structured environment for spiritual growth and community support.
Attending church allows me to participate in corporate worship, fostering a deeper connection with God through prayer, song, and the preaching of His Word. The communal aspect of church life offers me a supportive network of fellow believers, encouraging accountability, mutual edification, and a sense of belonging.
Engaging in regular congregational activities, such as Bible studies, small groups, and community service, provides me with opportunities for practical application of Christian principles. My church attendance also exposes me to diverse perspectives, fostering a broader understanding of the faith.
Moreover, the guidance and pastoral care I receive in a church setting contributes to my personal and relational development, helping me navigate life’s challenges with a biblical foundation. In essence, consistent church attendance serves as a transformative catalyst for me, nurturing my spiritual maturity and equipping me to embody Christ’s teachings in my daily life.
Scripture Shower!
(I’m so corny)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Ephesians 4:24
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Colossians 3:12-14
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
One of my favorite songs:
“Change Me” by Tamela Mann
Christian lifestyle blog features a Christian woman blogger and blog about faith.
