Trusting Jesus to Transform You
“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit
I will put within you. And I will remove
the heart of stone from your flesh
and give you a heart of flesh.”
As I reflect on God’s power to transform us, I’m struck by the notion that it is only by his grace that we can change to reflect Jesus' spirit here on earth. Growing up as a twin, I was often compared with my sister in how we dressed, our grades and how we acted. It was hard for me to find my own identity even as a Christian. But learning that God is the one who changes the heart, helped me choose love even when I wanted to choose bitterness.
Ezekiel 36:26 promises that Jesus will replace our nature with a heart like his, a heart that seeks kindness, humility and goodness. God gives us a renewed spirit so we can align with his ways with a softened heart that is receptive to him. This change doesn't only happen when we trust in what God accomplished on the cross. But also as we continue to lean into the Spirit of God, we can trust that Jesus will work in our lives to transform our mind and soul into his likeness. When we meditate on who God is and what God has done for us, we can see others how He sees them and choose love when others have hurt us.
I love that Jesus teaches us how we can be changed. Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When emotions are driving our day, we can surrender and trust that God will shift our perspectives. Scripture gives us hope and a renewed mindset that change is possible when we speak his powerful love over us.
The tapestry of our lives is fully dependent on what God has done for us. Jesus gives us grace for our hearts to be changed, and we can trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead us into transformation.
Pausing to Give Thanks
I am thankful that Jesus tells us that as we renew our minds and surrender our anxiety, thoughts, emotions we can trust that our hearts will continue to grow in love for Him and others. I invite you to pause and thank the Lord for His power to transform you.
Jesus thank you for the blood that covers my sins and my transgressions. Thank you for always leading us into a deeper trust.
Help us to continue to surrender our mind, heart and soul to you as we go about our day and help us grow in love daily.