The Journey of Transformation: What does transformation in Christ look like?

Last night in community group, we talked about transformation, and it really got me thinking about how necessary the process of transformation is for becoming who God has called us to be. None of us are born perfect. God is continually shaping us, molding us, and stretching us in ways we didn’t expect – through circumstances, challenges, relationships, environments…all of it.

If I’m being honest, I feel like God has been transforming me so much lately that I’ve started to wonder if I even want to keep enduring the pressure. But then I wonder what beauty I would miss, if I stayed the same? Think about the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. From the outside, the chrysalis looks fascinating, but can you imagine how uncomfortable that process must be for the caterpillar inside? This transformation radically restructures the caterpillar’s body to the point that it’s unrecognizable at the end of the transformation. What a stressful and potentially painful experience, and yet, that process of metamorphosis is what produces something new and beautiful.

A butterfly resting on yellow flowers

"...I’ve started to wonder if I even want to keep enduring the pressure. But then I wonder what beauty I would miss, if I stayed the same?"

Transformation is required to grow, to evolve, and to build the character necessary for our calling. There are days when I don’t feel transformed. I feel like the same old me. The same struggles, the same weaknesses, the same patterns. But then I notice my priorities have shifted; my actions are starting to reflect God’s work in me, and I am reminded that growth is often subtle. It happens in layers, in seasons, in moments and we don’t always notice right away.

God has a plan for each and every one of us and His plans always include transformation. They include challenges, trials, and uncomfortable situations that shape us into who we were always meant to become. We were born into an dark world as imperfect people, but transformation through Christ is how we shine our light and bring glory to our father in heaven. It’s how we walk toward the person God has destined us to be.

Prayer

Take a moment to think about how God is transforming you and pray this prayer with me. "Dear God, please give me the strength and the courage to pursue transformation in you. Help me to trust you in this season even when I don't fully understand how this pressure is for my good or your glory. I believe that you love me, you died for me, and you want the best for me. In Jesus name, amen!"