“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. ” Romans 12:2

Instead of being transformed, may I chose the option of just being transfered? Transfered to a personality where my ego doesn’t get bruised. Transfered to a place where it isn’t a chore to think first and speak later. Transfered to a state where I don’t feel the second best. Transfered to a secure foundation where I don’t battle with feeling so replaceable. Man, here is a dream scenario: I became a Christian and in an instant I became transformed. No process of transformation. No challenges of rewriting old habits. No need to shut my mout. Just BOOM, in a FLASH…I AM TRANSFORMED! (Someone needs to design a “Christian Transformer” doll that is all mangled and nasty and with a few quick turns of the pieces it becomes beautiful!)

Alas, the above description is not God’s plan for us. Transformation, by defintion is a process. Process, by definition is a series of steps directed towards an end result. Therefore, the Christian life, as we are being transformed, is the process of moving towards heaven and perfection. We won’t ever reach a place here on earth where we can say, “I am fully and utterly transformed!!” We will say that one day and it’s the day we stand before the Father, next to the Son and he says, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” (Matt 25:23) For me, I hope to hear, “Come here and give me a hug!” So, because it is a process, we must follow the words of Paul on Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

As many know, 2012 was a big year for me. I gave up unhealthy habits and unhealthy people to live my life for God. I gave every inch of my life over and God healed me in ways I never imagined possible. He filled my cup to overflowing and then some and I am forever thankful. However, I got a little cocky with my spirituality and relationship with God and walked into 2013 feeling like this was the year to just keep digging deeper but that I didn’t really have much to work on. The delusion lasted exactly 9 days and yesterday I was flooded with all kinds of things I have to work on. At first I was a bit overwhelmed and in my natural style, started trying to think of how I was going to transform. Did you catch that? I was trying to figure out how I was going to transform. SO off the mark it’s laughable. By the end of the day my prayer was, God continue to transform me please. Don’t let me be Your barrier. Only through Your power will I transform into the daughter You want me to be and bring You all the glory.

So 2013 is going to be like 2012 and it is going to be like 2014 and every year I am on this earth after that…transforming. Transforming my mouth from reactionary words that have the potential to harm to words the bring love and sometimes, no words at all. Transforming my ego from feeling bruised and hurt by things that are not meant personally to an ego that is continually striving to die to itself so that Christ may live through me. Transforming my heart from feeling like I am easily replaced because I’m just not that important to realizing that I am loved for me and that this “me” was created by the God of universe to be right where I am.

Being transparent with each other about our struggles here on earth is one way we will draw closer to God. If you aren’t involved in a local church and digging deep and rooting yourself there, then I strongly encourage you to find one. We were created to be in fellowship and you can’t fellowship alone. If you are in a great Christian community, I strongly encourage you to get transparent with your closest friends and help them do the same. I’m not advocating you bring your dirty laundry with you to every single conversation. I am advocating that you pray for God to guide you to a few key people with whom you can share your struggles and challenges and let God work in your midst together as community.

Live in God’s love, grace, peace and mercy. If you need a prayer partner, please email me at kaprayingforyou@gmail.com. None of us is perfect. All of us are transforming. Let’s take 2013 and share our paths so that we can sharpen each other’s iron (Prov 27:17).

All my love,

KA 🙂