Transformed by the Word: Little by little
By Lyn Wake | Wycliffe Today Spring 2024 Edition |
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
As we look deeply into the Word of God, the Spirit of God uses it to change us into the image of the Son of God. The concept here is metamorphosis: the process by which we are being transformed into a new form.
Metamorphosis is seen in the transformation that a butterfly goes through during its life cycle. From a tiny egg, to a caterpillar, to the formation of a chrysalis and finally the beautiful winged creature that emerges in its final, glorious form.
While some of us experience significant transformational events in our Christian discipleship, not all change is as quick and dramatic as that of the butterfly. It seems that God often chooses to change us into the likeness of Jesus little by little throughout our walk with him.
Do you remember when the power of God’s Word first began to transform your life?
I don’t remember the exact biblical passage that captivated my heart. Yet as I read page upon page of the Gospels for the first time during a summer youth camp, I was overwhelmed by the perfect love I discovered in Jesus and I am yet to get over the passion he sparked within me.
Over the decades since, the formation of my character has developed slowly, but surely. Necessary change has come through the various ups and downs, twists and turns, mountain peaks and dark valley encounters that have carved out my unique pathway towards Christlikeness. And while I can get discouraged by what seems a long way to go, I also look back with gratitude for how far I have come by his saving grace.
As I absorb and enact God’s powerful Word, I regain courageous hope in the Spirit-led process of metamorphosis. Cocooned in his love, God has promised to change us little by little into the glorious image of Jesus as we trust and obey.
Be transformed by the Word as you engage with: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18
For further reflection: How can you surrender to the transforming power of God’s Word in one area of your life right now?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for promising to transform my life through the power of your Word. Please help me to cooperate with you in the good work of blessing your world. Amen.
Transformed by the Word: Under Construction
By Lyn Wake | Wycliffe Today Winter 2024 Edition
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
In a few months, I’ll be headed to Vanuatu to support those involved in new translation projects. The long, challenging, and often costly work of Bible translation reminds me of the ongoing journey of grief I began after my daughter Bethany lost her battle with brain cancer 13 years ago. As I grieve, I’ve developed a new contemplative habit of taking notice of epitaphs engraved on headstones. Some epitaphs are sad and futile. But I love discovering words that leave me with a desire to know more of the story beyond the grave.
Several years ago, I visited the gravesides of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth Bell Graham. I’ve always thought of Billy as my ‘spiritual grandfather’ but it was Ruth’s epitaph that captured my attention that day. The words simply read: ‘End of Construction. Thank you for your patience.’
Before her passing in 2007, Ruth recounted navigating a highway through the middle of a construction site and eventually seeing a sign with those same words. ‘When I die, I want that engraved on my stone’, was her request to her family.*
Ruth lived the truth that every believer in Christ is ‘under construction’ as we are transformed into his likeness. One glorious day, that construction will be complete. But until then, our lives are made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing – all requiring a great deal of patience through the process.
Friends, as we continue to trust the Master Builder, we can be assured that all his work will indeed be completed in his perfect way, in his perfect time – for our good, and his glory.
For further reflection: What memorial words would you like engraved on your gravestone?
Be transformed by the Word as you engage with: Psalm 138:8 and Philippians 1:1-6.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your patience with me as I live into the truth that your master plan will be completed on time – and be exceedingly more wonderful than I can imagine! Amen.
Read more of Lyn’s story and be encouraged by others who have learned to give their pain to God in her new book Waiting Well With Jesus. Refer to the Response Form for details.
This is my story, this is my song
By Lyn Wake | Wycliffe Today Winter 2023 |
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. – Psalm 40:3a (NLT)
Fanny Crosby had a significant story to tell, and she told it prolifically through the writing of more than 8,000 worship songs! Fanny was blind from infanthood, yet grateful to God for spiritual sight. An American poet, hymnist and mission worker, Fanny was known as the ‘Queen of Gospel Song Writers’. Many of her songs still resound more than a century after she faithfully walked the earth. One in particular is embedded in my spirit. Perhaps you can sing along with me:
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Saviour all the day long,
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Saviour, all the day long.
What is your story? What is your song? Perhaps you are in a season of sorrow, unsure of how your story will unfold. You may even be heading towards the last chapter of your story on earth. But friends, when our stories are united with Christ and woven together with his, we always have an extraordinarily precious life song to sing!
When my story felt like it was totally falling apart, God kindly showed me how he was integrating everything into its rightful place within his-story. Priceless promises from Psalm 40 assured me how he was going to transform cruel circumstances into an unimaginable redemption story. My life song is not over, and neither is yours. May our life stories sing in harmony with God’s glories – now and forevermore!
For reflection: How can I be more attuned and attentive to the life stories of others?
Be transformed by the Word as you engage with: Psalm 40
Prayer: Lord of all our stories, I want my life to sing that you are mine! Whatever chapter I am experiencing, may I be given the grace to sing your praises all day long. Amen.
Thanks for your patience...