Transform. The Greek definition is to remodel, change, restructure, alter.
Things that transform: a haircut…nothing like a fresh haircut to see those eyes. How about painting a room…nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten things up. Or how about a caterpillar turning into a butterfly…it’s a beautiful process to watch and wait for the transformation. How about turning clay into a vase…again it is a process, but well worth the wait. Lastly, people can also transform…this is the most beautiful of all, however, it will take being patient and being vulnerable in the process.
Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image of one degree to glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
These two verses talk about being transformed. Renewing our mind. Comes from God only…not me. So if it only comes from Him, that means I have to step back and allow Him access to transform.
Allowing the Lord access to my heart takes vulnerability. If I want to be different, healed of hurts, aka…transformed…then I have to allow Him access to my heart. He does the transforming. I create the environment. Knowing I have to be vulnerable, giving Him access to all my hurts and bruises…takes trust.
Access to the comfortable areas and access to the uncomfortable areas.
Examples of access to the comfortable – I like entitlement too much. “I deserve…”
I like pride too much. “I did this…”
I also like acknowledgement. “Kristy, you did great in…” (this can also be pride) and I am not talking about words of affirmation. I know in my heart what I am seeking.
Lastly, I like my opinion too much. “This is the best way…”
These areas seem reachable to become a better person, to become the image God created me to be. Not being selfish. Becoming more humble. Bringing Him honor and glory. But what about the uncomfortable…
Examples of access to the uncomfortable – hurts and bruises from my past – not feeling good enough or abandoned. Areas where I build walls to protect my heart from being hurt again. Lies the enemy tells me that I believe. My internal dialogue can be brutal. These areas…do not seem reachable. Attainable. They seem like a lost cause so why even?
In order to be transformed, I have to allow access to my heart, where true transformation occurs. Not of my own doing. I can’t transform. This is only the work of the Lord. His Word tells us this. Access to my comfortable and uncomfortable areas.
Is it transformation in one area, or all? Is it an all or nothing kind of deal? Can I decide what areas, because some may be easier to release or have access to than others. This would mean that I am compartmentalized, not as a whole. And I don’t believe this is true.
I have to create space to allow God access to my heart. I will say that again (for my own sake)…I have to create space to allow God access to my heart in order to be transformed. That means slowing down for a minute. Do some deep breathing to slow down my heartrate. Stopping the distractions around me. Stopping the internal dialogue in my head. And just “be.” Allowing access. “Be still and know that I am God.” He wants to transform me. He wants to heal my pain, the uncomfortable. He wants to transform the comfortable in order to represent Him better. I need to release control and allow Him. I need to release the fears and trust Him. I need to create the space. I need to be vulnerable to myself in order to be vulnerable to Him Who transforms.
Sometimes it scares me. Being vulnerable to myself. Because reliving the hurts from my past can be so raw…so condemning…so… But when I think about it…I can never be free from them unless I allow Him to heal me. They continue to creep up and out when I least expect them. They rear their ugly heads when I don’t want them to. They can and usually are inconvenient. They are chained to me and only God can break me free from them.
Allowing God access is easier some days than others. Always a choice He gives me. Some days I am open and it is easy. Some days I am fighting and it is beyond difficult. My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. He is waiting patiently for me. He is waiting patiently for you.
I am ONE story,
~ Kristy
Proverbs 3:5a ESV (English Standard Version)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Psalm 46:10a ESV (English Standard Version)
Be still, and know that I am God.
Matthew 26:41b ESV (English Standard Version)
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.