My child, the only things that will remain are the things done in My Name and for My glory. Everything else will be burned up, forgotten and meaningless. Give Me your all. Let Me make your life count. My plans and purposes are far greater than you can imagine. Make Me your first love. Everything else will fall into place.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Isaiah 55: 8-9 Matthew 6:33
It can certainly be disheartening when we finally come to realize that our longed-for transformation doesn’t simply materialize overnight. When you stop to think about it, though, how could being transformed into God’s image be anything but a life-long process? This fact is clearly evident in mature and godly believers, in whose lives work still remains to be done.
Some use the term sanctification to describe this process (a much more accurate use of this word than thinking of it as earning our way toward becoming more righteous, and therefore more acceptable to God).
God has designed the process of transformation to take place in degrees over time. It’s what being changed from “glory to glory” means (2 Corinthians 3:17). And moving from one degree of change to the next makes it that much easier for transformation to progress the way God planned. That’s why we must guard against slipping back into sin when tempted. There’s not a person among us who is immune to falling into sin through the weakness of our flesh.
As we discussed earlier, sin stands at the head of a trail leading in the wrong direction. Once we’ve set ourselves on that badly chosen path, it takes some doing to get back to the place we were before heading there. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to stop and evaluate our progress, even though we may be convinced that we’re moving in the right direction.(2 Corinthians 10:13) In so doing, we place ourselves in the advantageous position of taking every opportunity for God to continue His refining work.
Excerpted from: Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself
My child, I am ready and willing to teach you everything you want to learn about the Spirit life. That is why I called you. You have a teachable spirit. Let the earthly things fade away and learn from Me. You have the mind of Christ. You were called and chosen for this purpose. Learn from Me.
1 Corinthians 2:16
My child, in the midst of trials, I am here. Look for My blessings in the challenges. You will find Me if you search for Me with your whole heart. I can make something beautiful out what seems like the worst of circumstances. Look for Me and praise Me in the trials.
Jeremiah 29:11
The miracle in the caterpillar’s cocoon is but a whisper of the dramatic unfolding of godly character—so foreign to our inherently self-willed nature—being fashioned in the human heart through the intervening power of God’s Spirit. Paul goes so far as to say we “are being transformed into [the Lord’s] image from glory to glory.”(2 Corinthians 3:17). What an incredible metamorphosis this must be! A mysterious process indeed; how can it even be possible? God knows!
Metamorphosis in our character is essentially the old self giving way to the new. Thinking back to what we’ve talked about regarding this issue of self-will, in Christ we now possess the power of choice in spite of our human condition. Being set free from the power of sin has set the stage to accomplish this.(Romans 6:6). Even though at times it may not feel like it, we have the power to choose to lay aside the old self by an act of our will, deciding instead to put on the new self.(Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-10). But where does that leave us when we fail to perform perfectly? What does such failure say about genuine transformation in our heart?
My child, believe My Word. Stand and do not doubt. For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken. I am the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10
My child, press into Me. When trials come, praise Me. When you face hard times, rejoice. Let the challenges of life drive you to your knees and pray. Life is hard, but I am here. I will see you through and bring you out the other side. Continue to trust and believe. Remain in My Presence. I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are My chosen.
My child, trust Me with this difficult time you’re going through. Continue to do what I am telling you to do. You will come through this stronger and more usable for My purposes. Be strong and courageous. Straighten up and lift up your head, your redemption is drawing nigh.
Luke 21:28
My child, be still in My Presence. Sit quietly and gain strength from My Spirit. Know that I am for you. I know what’s best for you. Cease striving and know that I am God. I am a shield about you, your Glory and the Lifter of your head.
Psalm 46:10 Psalm 3:3
My child, I will direct your steps. Trust Me to lead you today. Be faithful in the small things and I will open the doors to the bigger things. Don’t worry about the future. Just do what I am telling you to do today. I have you in the palm of My hand and I will take care of you.