Transformation

Come to Me just as you are.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I am aware of the many little stones that mar the beauty of your heart.

Trust Me to do what you are unable to do: remove the stony bits one by one. Do not expect this work in you to be painless. Heart surgery is serious, and it always involves pain.

Many of the hard things you have experienced were, unknown to you, My skillful operations on your heart.

When you are going through tough times, look up to Me with a wry smile and thank Me for the renewal I am working within you. This act of faith does not instantly stop your suffering, but it does lend meaning to your pain.

Marvel at the wonder of being a new creation, grafted into Me – the Messiah. You are forever set free from the condemning law of sin and death. You can rejoice in this glorious truth even while you are in the throes of suffering. Since I am the Creator of all that is, and you are made in My image, you have a wealth of creative powers within you. Strive to look at your circumstances from a fresh perspective: eager to collaborate with Me as I create newness within you – and through you. Though I am Lord of the universe, I desire to work in partnership with you. As you say yes to this sacred adventure, you become more fully the one I designed you to be.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36:26

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. – Romans 8:1-2

In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. – Hebrews 1:2

Excerpted with permission from Jesus Lives by Sarah Young, copyright Thomas Nelson, 2011

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Your Turn

Transformation is painful! Thankfulness in the middle of painful transformation takes a great leap of spiritual maturity. Come join the conversation on our blog! We would love to hear from you about the changes God is making in your heart and life! ~ Devotionals Daily