"Transformation without work and pain, without suffering, without a sense of loss is just an illusion of true change."
- William P. Young
What a profound statement! Currently, I'm reading a book called Crossroads by the author of the quote above. I truly recommend reading this book, and if you haven't read his other book, The Shack, read that one too!! Because I don't want to ruin the book at all for you (should you choose to read it), I am not going to talk about it at all...I will only share what this book got me thinking about via the quote above...do read it again! :)
Here we GO!!
Transformation: noun; the change of nature, appearance, form or character.
Simple concept, is it not...at least it seems that way? But why is it that when we talk about the transformation of our hearts or attitude it becomes seemingly impossible? Maybe it's because we are not accepting this change openly or wholeheartedly...it isn't true change...its an illusion.
I cannot tell you how many times in church I have sung the ever popular invitation,
"Change my heart, O God,
Make it ever true.
Change me heart, O God,
May I be like you."
We are asking for change. We are asking for TRANSFORMATION. And according to the statement, which as you can tell I completely agree with, we are ALSO asking for an almost guaranteed work, pain, and sense of loss. DO NOT GET ME WRONG...because that may be where I lose some of you...PLEASE keep reading.
I do ask for transformation...every single day that I am alive. Why? Because my heart longs for it...to me, being one with Christ and walking in His truth every step of the way is WORTH IT. My life may look like its easy from the outside. I have a car, a nice place to live, friends, a loving family, a wonderful boyfriend who also has a loving family, I am almost finished with college. But don't most things look easy and fine from the outside?
Yes, I am VERY blessed with everything that I have, but there have definitely been many times of heartache, pain, loneliness, hurt, and struggles. Most of them have preceded transformation, and let me tell you...I wouldn't change a single bad thing that has happened in my life. Why? Because through them I have been transformed. In some cases I have been made stronger, and in others, I have been made new. There is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel and there is ALWAYS a silver lining...His name is Jesus.
My Lord, My God is with me EVERY single step of the way! Through trials...tribulations...rainy days...boring days...busy days...exciting days...and yes, even finals week! :) He is right there, are you ignoring Him or are you holding His hand? He will NEVER leave your side. There is not a person on this Earth who can escape His love. All you have to do is accept it. He's waiting. He wants you to come home!
