CHANGE, GROWTH, TRANSFORMATION?. . .”JUST KEEP SWIMMING”
Image by Veronica Enriquez from Pixabay
We take what we think are the tools of spiritual transformation into our own hands and try to sculpt ourselves into robust Christlike specimens. But spiritual transformation is primarily the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the Master Sculptor.
Jerry Bridges
SILENTLY, AND WITHOUT REALIZING
Everyone infused with, and empowered by God’s very life, is being transformed. The Apostle Paul, when addressing the Corinthians explains it this way,
“And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 Amplified Bible
Incredible, right?
By the grace of God, and the power of the Spirit, we are being changed.
Have you noticed most often the changes are imperceptible? Well, until a moment occurs and you realize God has been up to something—rearranging your heart and making you more Christlike.
FIERY DARTS
I recall a specific incident when a nasty comment was flung at me, but at the moment I completely missed it. A couple of weeks later, the situation emerged in my mind while washing dishes.
Mentally replaying the event and the exact words that were said left me breathless. Not in anger, but in wonder.
Looking back, from my perspective the statement was unkind and hurtful. Miraculously, at the moment I was oblivious to the perceived intent, protected from its sting, and responded kindly.
When the situation resurfaced, I could have taken the bait of the enemy by coddling my flesh and indulging sinful self-pity. My ugly pride could have reared its head, entertaining the hurtfulness hurled my way. Instead, replaying the incident left me astonished.
More evidence of change!
UNSUSPECTING WONDER
When the fiery barb was initially lobbed it had no effect. Why?
By staying close to God, choosing to obey, and trusting Him with the day-to-day happenings (and bigger things), unknowingly I had been changed.
God was working.
God had been working.
God is working.
Reviewing the situation enabled me to recognize what God had done in my life. The change in my heart was unmistakable. I was gobsmacked.
Not only did I overlook the “offense” there wasn’t a smidge of resentment only peace, joy, and delight.
Another miracle.
Marveling over His handiwork and rejoicing in genuine change deepened my relationship with God.
BY THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
Surprised by how oblivious I was of His transformative work, I began pondering what He had to say about this process of change.
As I plunged my hands into the warm soapy water and retrieved another plate to scrub, verses started coming to mind.
First, the promise that God who began a good work in me will indeed complete it (Philippians 1:6) had me singing His praises.
Second, the fact that God is at work in me to will and to do for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13) brought comfort that He has everything under control, including my growth and transformation.
Following close behind came Romans 12:2, guaranteeing transformation as I renew my mind with God’s Word.
DORY’S SAGE ADVICE
In the movie Finding Nemo, Dory the blue tang fish with short-term memory issues had excellent advice, “Just keep swimming.”
We are heading for Home and running our race, but the course probably looks different than we imagined. I know that is true for me.
Keep swimming, fellow saint, and rest assured our good God is at work bringing about the likeness of Christ in your precious life.
Oswald Chambers offers tremendous encouragement as we walk by faith, abide in Christ, and do the next thing as unto the Lord.
“In Jesus Christ is the perfection of everything, and the mystery of sanctification is that all perfections of Jesus are at my disposal, and slowly and surely I begin to live a life of ineffable order and sanity and holiness: “Kept by the power of God.”
What a fantastic reminder—kept by the power of God. And not only kept but we are being conformed from glory to glory into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Talk about being caught up in something more spectacular than we can comprehend—living a life of ineffable order, sanity, and holiness—yes, Lord, yes!
Who doesn’t want a friend like Dory who will pursue us in our trials, wrap their arms around us, and then journey with us as we head for Home?
If you have a Dory in your life thank God, and then thank them. Perhaps you can send some encouragement their way today.
And if you are Dory, thanks for noticing when we are weary, for always reaching out to us, and for your gracious zeal to encourage us all to ‘just keep swimming’ as we head for Home. You are appreciated!
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9,10 ESV
Where have you recognized God’s work in your life recently?
How has God surprised you by His transforming touch?
Feel free to leave a note, or testimony of His faithfulness, in the comment section below.
Check out BREADCRUMBS for Andrew Murray’s insight about the work of the Spirit in empowering and changing our lives
Nancy, I thought when I finished reading this that as we draw near to God, abide in Him and know He is trustworthy, we tend not to forget our armor and how it completely protects our soul from unexpected darts. So, as I recall you exhorting at the roost for us to not get up and start our day “naked” but put on truth, righteousness, peace, faith, assurance of salvation and our offensive weapons of the Word of God and prayer. ” To that end, keep alert with all perseverance…” Keep on swimming.
Ha, you remembered—love it! Thanks for sharing, Marilyn.
These are such encouraging thoughts Nancy! Especially your opening paragraph that reminds that the transformation is GOD’S work in me! Not of me, but of His Holy Spirit! My job is to remain faithful to my relationship with Him. Thank you! 😊
Hey Charis, so happy to know you were encouraged. What a relief, right? Remembering He is doing the transformation and we get to “remain faithful” in our relationship with HIM lifts all the weighty oppression of self effort.