Transformation

Transformation By Theresa Skinner

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, transformation is defined as an act, process, or instance of being transformed.

However, the bible’s meaning of transformation, “change or renewal from a life that no longer conforms to the ways of the world to one that pleases God”.

Romans 12:2 explains it this way, this is an accomplished by the renewing of our minds, an inward spiritual transformation that will manifest itself in outward actions.

We can view transformation as a need or as a want, I desire both. I long for the manifestation of both equally divided in my life.

Ephesians 4:13-15 Paul states “until we all attain to the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”

I believe Paul is saying Believers need to come to a spiritual maturity and be more like Christ.

According to the explained knowing Jesus, its about the finished work of Jesus and the progressive sanctification.

The biblical meaning of sanctification is to set apart.

The way I view transformation is seeing a flower seed change into a beautiful flower, an infant growing into adulthood or a head of black hair changing into a head of beautiful gray hair. It’s a process from beginning to end.

When God starts something in us, He means to bring it to completion, God never starts the process and then abandons it.

Although it is a painful progression, the result is worth the wait.

Looking back over my life and the pain of living out the abandonment, rejection and lack of love the enemy tried to kill me years

ago, but God was always been there to protect me.

What was so harshly implanted in me as a child manifested in my adult life. Life is a learning course a schoolroom where there is no graduation, only advancement. However, there was times I had to repeat the same grade, another trip around the mountain.

God gives us seasons:

A Time for Everything

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace -

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Seasons are like steps towards advancements, seasons can also be long. Seasons move us towards a goal, when we look inward and upward.

I have had many growing pains; I have had my life and heart issues revealed.

Everything I thought was a secret God shone a light on the darkness and the darkness within me was exposed.

But everything exposed by light becomes visible-and everything that is illuminated becomes light (Ephesians 5:13 niv).

When God was transforming me into His son’s image, He used the very thing that I idolized the most, yet I couldn’t see that this person was an idol, taking the Lord’s place.

I was blind to the truth therefore God had to uncover what was a deception.

Exodus 34:14 (ESV) For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

I became the trees in the forest, the plank in my eye and the mountain in my path

As I continued to believe I knew what was best for me, the fiery furnace got hotter and pain grew deeper. I continually disobeyed God.

I didn’t know how to be a daughter, growing up without examples, searching for love.

Making up and borrowing other peoples views and parenting skills.

It amazed me, being in a life learning storm, my sovereign God, with all His love, mercy and grace, began to do the work on me.

As I fought the Lord for many years, I finally surrendered knowing that fighting God was silly how could I win?

God was telling me to let go, oh how I did not understand those words. I held onto everything tightly, control, resentments, anger, unforgiveness, people, etc. which gave me no joy. The days that I rendered happy were days I manifested in my head and the lies that came from my mouth, destroyed any hope of happiness I had.

I couldn’t see that I was giving up every part of me to win unguaranteed love. I was asking silently for people to love me, I was met by abandonment, rejection and lies.

How could I ask someone to love me when they obviously didn’t love themselves, as I didn’t love myself? How selfish was I?

The real question was how to let go? Sometimes we can hold on to things so forcefully, God sometimes has to take it from us. I didn’t want to let go of things that kept me safe, truthfully, it only made me sink deeper into obscurity. Only shadows of self-left. Defeated by the goliath in my conviction.

I shattered and damaged relationships throughout my life. Left to my own devices, none of which were working. I suffered from a condition of weakness and disparity, lack of motivation, remaining in a state of idleness with no change. For God hath not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

To be transformed into the person the Lord has called me to be, means I have to let go of past hurts of unforgiveness, shame and guilt, allowing God to make the necessary changes in me.

Forgetting what is in the past and moving forward to what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13).

Finally, through the journey I have learnt valuable life lessons, my journey towards my destiny is a long and winding road, as is everyone’s.

Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:2 “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready”.

Letting go and trusting God and knowing I can trust Him was the hardest experience I have been through this far.

I have come to the realization, when I try to alter and control people, places or things, I hinder my growth and keep others in bondage of my control.

I had to surrender the control I thought I had over my life and circumstances and begin to live free from self, that others may be set free.

But this can only be achieved by letting go and allowing God through His Son, Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit to have full control over my life to transform me into the person He wants me to be.

Theresa Skinner, USA is a CDCA in addition services A part of a ministry through music 18 years delivered from addition. Theresa also enjoys reading and writing.