As I waited in the counselor’s office, I knew I needed help but did not fully comprehend to what extent.

When the counselor called me into her office, I started to rattle off the reasons why I was there. Suddenly, it dawned on me that this process I was embarking on was not going to be easy. It would be grueling, and the most challenging personal undertaking I had ever intentionally pursued. This turned out to be correct. For me, saying “yes” to God and surrendering my will to His has been difficult and time-consuming. However, the beauty of the new life I have in Christ far outweighs the challenging process I undertook. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Don’t get me wrong. There have been casualties–people and friends who have not accepted how I’ve changed. They liked the “old me” better. Some relationships I had before God changed my life will never be the same, while other relationships have stayed the same or improved. I’ve learned to accept the reality that not everyone will understand, and that’s okay.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

We can compare our spiritual life-journey to the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. The result doesn’t look like the former; the butterfly doesn’t look anything like the caterpillar. They look like two different creatures. The two are almost unrecognizable as having any connection. The change is that dramatic.

When we accept Jesus Christ, our previous moral and spiritual condition passes away. We are reborn by the Holy Spirit, and our old ways, desires, and lusts fade as He conquers everything within us that could hinder our new life in Christ. He helps us with what we cannot overcome on our own. As our spiritual awakening occurs, this brings a brand-new life we’ve never experienced.

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

~Jesus Christ, John 3:6 NKJV

The transformation we undergo as we embrace our new life in Christ is a process that takes time and hard work. Be aware that not everyone will understand the “new you.” An essential element to successfully navigating through this process is deciding to move forward anyway.

Friend, have you felt the need to help your friends understand the changes you’ve made as you’ve pursued Christ? I challenge you to continue to focus on the transformation process God is bringing you through. As He heals your thoughts, spirit, and emotions, He will also bring people into your life that will love, accept, and understand the “new you.” These friends will be cheering you on!

How have you grown in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Who has supported your transformation?

Father God, thank You for loving me enough to accept me as I am, and for loving me enough not to leave me that way. Although some have misunderstood me because I’ve changed, I choose to pursue You anyway. Thank You for giving me a brand-new life through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: When God Transforms Us: Brandie J. Muncaster: All Rights Reserved