A Best Effort and Worthy Goal!

“And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.” 2nd Corinthians 3:18 (b) TLB

Transformation in life is hard. There will be times you want to quit. You would feel discouraged, and afraid to take the next step. You may fall into a series of failures or feel like others trampled on you mercilessly. However, keep in mind your transformation is the best effort and worthy goal in your life. Do not be afraid or worried. There is divine and powerful help available from the third person of the triune God in those times – the Holy Spirit of the LORD.

Do not doubt- some of us would feel like a tree that was cut down. Listen to what Job says in his frustration and deep depression in Job 14:7, “for there is hope for a tree-if it’s cut down, it sprouts again and grows tender, new branches.” He thought there is no hope for his life although the cut-down tree has the hope to grow again. Remember, there are spiritual lessons to learn from nature- the handiworks of God. There is a lesson to glean from cut-down trees.

God is God of wonder. If you would lean on Him, he makes your cut-down tree grow again with new sprouts- leaves and branches. Believe me, he did this in my life. He would do this to you as well. God is a good God. He has compassion for all whom he has made. (Psalms 145:9). Bible promises The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Pslams 34:18). Do you know in your frustration, fear, and pain, God is closer to you? Grab a hold on him in those times and get saved by His wonderworking hands. Psalm 145:18 promises the LORD is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.

Beloved, major transformation happens during your painful and harsh circumstances. Moreover, God’s vision becomes clearer and brighter to you amid the hard realities of life. In such difficult times, the Holy Spirit inside you goes to work tirelessly to make you become more like Jesus Christ. You would become more like Jesus in love, compassion, grace, mercy, and kindness. This dying world direly requires as many images of Jesus Christ as possible. You would be one of his images in darkness. You will shed your light brilliantly because God’s Holy Spirit prepares you for such times.

Today’s insights say, “And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.” You see, good changes in your life never happen quickly. Growth happens slowly but steadily. The New American Standard Bible translates you “are being transformed into the same image (image of Jesus) from glory to glory…” It takes time for the Holy Spirit to transform you. And it takes the Bible, the Word of God, to accomplish it.

Beloved, you will look more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God (the Bible) amid your difficult and harsh times. One day you will look back and see how great the LORD was in the midst of all. How huge an accomplishment God made out of your life. You will be filled with gratitude and praise. I guaranty you this – as you walk with the Lord, lean on Him and His Word, the cut-down tree will sprout with new growth and leaves and become full of branches and leaves. God would do it for you. No one else would or could do it. It would be the hand of the Lord. His footprints and handcrafts are all over your life.

May I give an opportunity now to come to good God in heaven in and through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to this world, died and rose again to pay for all your sins? When you come to the savior of the whole world, Jesus Christ, and believe in his death and resurrection for your iniquities and sins, God gives you the Holy Spirit to indwell in you permanently, who will help and guide you all through your life.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? Father in heaven, I know I need Jesus in my life. I  believe Jesus died and rose again in my place for my sins and iniquities. I accept Him as my savior and Lord. Father, per your promise, give me your Holy Spirit to indwell in me. Help and guide me through the vicissitudes of this life. I know you transform me by your Holy Spirit to  become more like Jesus Christ. I surrender my life to you now. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”