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“They only were hearing it said, “He (Paul) who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”  Galatians 1:23 (ESV)

“You look amazing,” isn’t that what we would love to hear?  Especially after the past year of limited gym use and a lot of sitting at home.  Our covid transformation leaves a lot to be desired.  Those extra pounds came on quickly  – absolute proof binge watching our fave show didn’t serve us well. Nor did all the baking and snacking.  Definitely time for a radical change.

Revealing a new us is easier said than done.  Changing our routines, setting boundaries, embracing new behaviors and enduring restrictions is hard. We’ve all been there when the momentum dies down and the plateau settles in – transformation seemingly slipping through our fingers. Perhaps the culprit lies in relying on self instead of God’s power to revolutionize us from the inside out.

Nothing more beautiful than the transformation of a soul. The book of Acts details the conversion of Paul  (Saul) who violently persecuted the church.  A Hebrew from the tribe of Benjamin, trained in the law and living righteously according to the law.  Paul passionately pursued the destruction of those who believed in Jesus.  Without even a trace of remorse, he watched as Stephen was martyred.  On the day of his conversion (Acts 9), Paul was headed to Damascus ready to bound any believers and bring them back to Jerusalem.

A direct, personal encounter with Jesus radically changed Paul’s heart.  The transformation totally restructured Paul’s agenda.  The one who once was persecuting was now preaching the faith he tried to destroy.  The change was evident to all.

Wonder if people notice the radical difference in us as believers?  Is there a definitive change in us since we accepted Christ or do we act, respond and live the same?

The Greek word for transform is metamorphoo’ which simply means changing into another form.  The moment we accepted Jesus, the process of being changed began.  As we surrender our will and embrace the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the old us begins to disappear. When we read, study and obey God’s word transformation happens on a daily basis.   It’s an ongoing process and will continue until the day we meet our Savior face to face.  Our metamorphoo’ will be noticed not for our glory but for His.

We will never look more amazing than when we reflect the heart of our God.  A soul transformed will draw others in revealing the source of the new us – a personal relationship with our God.  We should be the talk of the town….”the one who was_____________________ is now preaching the faith they once tried to destroy.”

“Father, You are the Redeemer of our stories – help us to surrender to Your Spirit and embrace Your amazing metamorphoo’ in us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life