My child, I am in the midst of you, you will not be moved. I will help you when the morning dawns. Trust Me with the outcome of this.
Psalm 46:5
In The Midst Of You
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God’s Game Plan
Are we able to bear fruit without being meaningfully transformed? Yes, in scant quantity and meager quality we can. But without a true metamorphosis we’ll never be successful in bearing the kind Jesus wants—“much fruit.” For this reason transformation is absolutely essential to fruitfulness in God’s kingdom.
There’s no question that God wants to see us radically changed. And since we know we can’t transform ourselves, He must have a method to accomplish it. But the big question is just what that plan consists of; how do we get from here to there? Well, God has His part in the process, and we’ve got ours.
If transformation is ever to become a reality in us, we must cooperate with God as He goes about working in our life. The beauty is that freedom from the power of sin makes choosing to walk out our faith in this way possible—in spite of the weakness of our flesh. Because God has done what He has through Christ, it’s now all about choice! But submitting ourselves to God for what is likely to be a very arduous journey is never an easy choice to make. Nevertheless, we can do it! Aided by His power, we can become the kind of Christians we intuitively want to be as a result of our redemption. God Himself has put that desire there.
Yet truth be told, we often have to come to the end of ourselves—finally fed up with failure—before we can actually bring ourselves to make that commitment. You may be at that point in your life right now! If so, unconditionally give yourself over to God, and then take action by submitting to His will. Sometimes we think that giving over our will to God is a one-time event. Not so. Rather, it’s a choice we make day by day. And making daily progress toward transformation entails following well-defined steps: God’s Game Plan. We’ll be talking about what that involves.
An Inner Knowing
My child, I want you to pray in faith believing that I am working in your circumstances. Believe Me and believe My word. Only when you trust Me will you walk by faith and not by sight. This life I have called you to is a walk of faith. This requires an inner knowing that I am in control of all things. Believe Me. Trust Me, and know that I will do what I said I will do.
2 Corinthians 5:7
I am your portion
My child, My lovingkindnesses never cease and My compassions never fail. They are new every morning. I am faithful. I am your portion. Place all of your hope in Me. Nothing else will ever satisfy. Nothing else will ever bring the fulfillment you search for. I am your portion. Hope in Me alone. Lamentations 3:22-24
Beyone All We Ask
My child, commit your works to Me and your plans will be established. Your mind plans your way but I direct your steps. Go ahead and dream, but leave room for Me to lead and guide you. I am able to do far more abundantly beyond all that you ask or think.
Proverbs 16:3 & 9 Ephesians 3:20
Outward Appearance
My child, you are concerned about your outward appearance, but I look at your heart. Focus more on spending time with Me. Be about my business. Look to see what I am doing and join Me in My work. You’ll never experience the joy I have for you until you take your eyes off of yourself and put them on Me. 1 Samuel 16:7
Fruit’s Proof
What’s encouraging is the fact that somewhere along the line we come to a point where it’s virtually impossible to get mired once again in the pit of the old self. Why? Because our character has been permanently altered—who we are has changed. Once our character is transformed, we truly no longer are our former self.
Yes, we’ll continue to be confronted with the issues of our old nature (our old self). That’s why we must always be vigilant. But though we may slip, we won’t turn back! My guess is that those who throw in the towel have never experienced any meaningful degree of transformation in the first place.
The “fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”—firmly entrenched within provides bona fide proof that metamorphosis has taken hold.(Galatians 5:22-23).
It’s true that God can cause one or more of these virtues to sporadically spring forth according to the need of the moment, even before they become the rock-solid foundation of our character. But just stop and think what it must be like to enjoy the advantage of the fruit of the Spirit deeply-rooted and dominant in your life.(Galatians 5:24)
More Than Conquerors
My child, you are a fragrance of Christ. You are more than conquerors. You are adopted, capable and loved. Do not doubt, second guess yourself or over think a matter. Your identity is in Me. Listen to Me and take control of your thoughts. The only way you’ll live a victorious life is to draw near to Me and resist the enemy. I fill you with the knowledge of My will and give you Spiritual wisdom and understanding. Walk by My Spirit and you will bear much fruit.
2 Corinthians 2:15, Romans 8:37, John 1:12, James 4:8, Colossians 1:10
The Soil of the Heart
Jesus said that abundant growth is not only possible, but to be expected from ground that has been cultivated for God’s purposes. Our job is to prepare the soil of our heart to receive that growth. Paul knew how vital it is to press on toward this goal: “to present your bodies a holy and living sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”(Romans 12:1) No, presenting ourselves in this manner won’t be the immediate fix we all long for, but rather a pushing forward; it’s what it means to live our life in a manner pleasing to Him.(Colossians 1:10)
Given the proper conditions, metamorphosis will just naturally continue on its course. Let’s think about the butterfly. What chance do you suppose it has of reverting once again to its original form—the caterpillar? Zero, right? Having undergone such transformation, it can never return to what it once was.
Making godly choices sets us on that same road. Early in the process there are lots of opportunities to slip back under the spell of the old self. But over time, as we experience degrees of transformation, the likelihood of that happening keeps diminishing. Consequently, the further we’re transformed, the more likely it will be to come to full fruition.
My Purpose
My child, be filled with the knowledge of My will and bear much fruit. Be strengthened with all power. Be steadfast, patient and joyful, always giving thanks. For you will share in the inheritance I have provided for you. Live excellent, consistent lives. Don’t be lazy. Let Me fill you with My Holy Spirit so you can carry out My purpose for your life.
Colossians 1: 8-12