Conform is an interesting word.
The definition of conform is:
- To make or become similiar in form or character
- To act or be in compliance with
How many mornings have you woke up and said to yourself, ” I want to act and live similar to the character of Jesus today?” It’s a nice thought and it would be wonderful if we really had that shift. That particular shift would nudge us to think more of Christ and less of self. Thinking less of my SELF is always WILD, because all of us from young to old are conditioned to think of self more than just about anything else. Sigh….
Jesus didn’t think much about himself. In fact, he was always thinking about the Father’s will and the Father’s business. He also did not assume that He could do things on His own. Rather He was dependent on the Father’s power. And, He didn’t do things for fame or fortune, rather He was all about the Father’s glory.
Jesus lived for:
- The Father’s business
- The Father’s power
- The Father’s glory
To be conformed into the image of one who lived so differently than me sometimes seems impossible.
How does it happen?
We are transformed by life. The pain and troubles of life are the very things that change us. Cry about it all you like, but it is true…Troubles change us.
Once we begin to see our hardships, pain and sufferings in this light, life starts to be manageable because HOPE takes the place of the frustrating cycle of “Why Me?” How WILD would it be to live your life in such a way that every single thing is viewed as a way to know Christ more and every pain a vehicle to conform you into the image of God? Pretty WILD indeed!
Today’s Truth: 2 Cor 4:17
“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
What are you current troubles?
I am sure they FEEL heavy and not light, but when compared to the good they are accomplishing beneath the surface, they are considered “light” by God. Oh yes, He understands that to us they are hard, unbearable and a real distraction. But the encouraging word is that HE is working in the middle of the mess and something is being achieved through them.
I grew up an over-achiever, so the idea that God is achieving something in my very soul right this minute is exciting to me. I realize that sounds, well..sick..but, still think about how great it is that God can take our pain and our troubles and transform us!
What about you?
Identify the area today that you need to find HOPE in.
Today begin to Thank God that He is working to make you more like Jesus through your troubles. This hope is a whole lot better than eating a whole chocolate cake, going on a drinking binge, yelling at your kids, or downing a bottle of pills. Yeah, I know that all sounds extreme and I am saying it tongue and cheek, but you know what I mean.
Hope in Christ’s work within us, is Life Changing!
Now, Go Out and Have Hope in the Middle of Your Troubles Today.
You are being conformed into His Image!
Today’s Prayer:
Father, I don’t understand it, but I don’t have to. I also don’t like conflict, pain or troubles, but they are part of life. Being they are part of life, help me now to find HOPE in You in the middle of life. Real life is a life being lived out according to your plans for me. Real life has troubles, and in my real troubles you are changing me. Hallelujah!
It is the fire of suffering that brings out the gold of godliness- Madame Guyon
