The Hard Work of Transformation

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By: Carole L. Haines 

I love to do Bible Study with others. I love to hear their perspectives. Because we are all so different in our experiences and growth, we can learn so much from each other. I also love to read good books with insights into the Scriptures. I am doing a Bible Study right now that has been proving to be very life changing. What joy to grow in the Lord by looking at the hard stuff within ourselves.  

Here is the quote from the Study, 

“The ninth commandment reads: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16) Every time I make an assumption about someone without confirming it, I am at risk for believing a lie about this person. My assumption is just a breath away from misrepresenting reality. Because I have not checked out my assumption with the other person, it is very possible I am believing something untrue and effectively bearing false witness against my neighbor.”  
(Pete Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Relationships/Day by Day; pg. 68) 

Wow, just WOW! I cannot tell you how convicting and yet how freeing it was to read that. I do this all the time. I even do this with myself. I never saw it this way before, but I need so much work in this area of my mind. God has been showing me that when I believe something false about Him, Myself or someone else, I often begin to relate to them based on that lie. In my case, I tend to cower from them based on that lie. I’ve been through a lot of rejection in my life (whether real or imagined) and have become very isolated and introverted. 

But God is calling me out into the light of His Word and giving me hope that He can change me at my deepest levels. His Holy Spirit is deeply examining me, and it is hard work. It’s hard to look so deeply at ourselves, but so incredibly freeing. God only shows us these things so He can bring us to repentance and set us free from them.  

¹² For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. ¹³ No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account. 

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:12-16) 

As, God is doing this deep work inside of me, I can feel discouraged about how much change needs to happen in me. But He immediately directs my attention to Jesus, My High Priest, and calls me to approach His Throne of Grace with boldness so I can receive His mercy and find His Grace to help me at this time of great need.  

O the matchless mercy of God, His love is so transforming and perfect. Thank You Jesus for this Hard work. Bring me through to the other side for Your Glory. Amen