Day 18 of Lent :: Self Transformation

“Be transformed…”

Romans 12:2

Lent is a journey, a season of transformation. The tendency within humanity is to somehow begin to believe that we can, in and of ourselves, change ourselves. This often leads to one of two outcomes: pride or despair. Ultimately, we can do very little, if anything, to change ourselves. We can, however, bring our whole selves to Christ: fears, doubts, struggles, wounds, accomplishments, strengths and pride – everything.

Before Christ, we bow down and at His feet lay all our stuff, the good, the bad and the ugly. Before Him we are reminded that even though we can’t make ourselves different, He can. In fact, Jesus came to give us a new heart, a new spirit, a new mind. In His presence, as we lay down all of who we are, we find rest, we wait, and in some mysterious way, we are transformed by his love…

The Apostle Paul said,

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
Romans 8:28-32

Action: See yourself coming before Christ. With you, bring all your stuff – everything. Imagine it all in your hands. Kneel down before Christ and place it all before Him. Give it to Him… Then, remain in that position with open hands – waiting, resting, being, worshipping…

Look for brief moments throughout your day – on break, at stop lights, in line at a store – to find yourself back in this place, before Him… with Him.

“Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you;
leave him not alone.”

Brother Lawrance