“The more we abide in Christ, the more His grace and power transform us into His image.”
Lailah Gifty Akita
A few months ago, I had the joy and privilege to speak at Waypoint’s Discipleship School. I opened with a word of exhortation from the Lord. In reflection, I saw how these principles are two steps toward transformation. To become more like Christ, apply these truths to your life.
The first step toward transformation is those who are hungry shall be fed. If you stay hungry in your Christian walk, you will be fed a feast. Those who are full and satiated don’t desire food like the hungry. Do what you can to stay hungry, such as fasting and or praying a daily prayer, “Lord, make me hungrier for you.” God will love answering that prayer. Never be satisfied in your walk with Christ. Complacency is an enemy of being transformed.
Secondly, spiritual formation, becoming more Christ-like, occurs when you repeatedly step out of your comfort zone. We are stretched and growth takes place when we face and embrace those uncomfortable situations because that is where our trust in God deepens. And trust leads to transformation. Run toward being out of your comfort zone, not away from it. It’s in those situations when you’re fearful and weak, when you feel inadequate for what is required, that you are forced to depend upon Jesus. He will never let you down. Let God show you Himself during those uncomfortable situations because that is when and where change takes place. As you lean into Jesus, you will see who He really is. He wants to prove to you that He is enough.
2 Corinthians 5:17 promises us: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Change takes place in Christ. And if you want to be transformed more into Christ’s image then take these two steps toward transformation. Be hungry. And choose to embrace uncomfortable situations which encourage you to be dependent upon Jesus, watching Him flex His muscles on your behalf.
“But if you really encounter Jesus, you will be changed. No one encounters Jesus and remains the same.”
Derek Prince
Relevant Reflections:
1. Name one way you can become hungrier for God.
2. Describe a time when you were “forced” to depend upon God while you were out of your comfort zone. What were the results?
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