Transformed: The Process

As a science teacher, I am well aware of the concept of “transformation”. It is the process of something changing from what it once was, to what it is destined to be. Take for instance the metamorphosis that produces a beautiful butterfly. The process starts off with an egg, then a caterpillar emerges. From there the caterpillar spins a cocoon and over time it changes to a beautiful butterfly.  There is a lot that happens during the transformation from the caterpillar to the butterfly. While the process is interesting and exciting to watch, the fact is that there is a great deal of work for that transformation to occur. 

This is one of the reasons that I like watching the home improvement shows. The process of transformation is demonstrated so clearly. They will take a home that is beaten down and looks like it needs to be bulldozed, and completely transform it into something that is unbelievable. The new home owners who once dreaded the process, often feeling overwhelmed now stand in a beautiful new home that looks nothing like it once did! 

What about people, does “transformation” happen in us? Of course it does! Perhaps it may not be as natural or as predictable as the transformation that takes place in the butterfly or in a house renovation, nevertheless the end result can be just as amazing. I have the perfect example. My husband was a “big guy” to say the least, 340 pounds worth. He was not healthy and realized that a change had to happen. I, along with many others watched him transform before our very eyes. He lost over 150 pounds in less than a year! His transformation was so drastic that now people don’t even recognize him when they see him . He has to make people know who he is by talking to them first because he looks so different now. He has heard it a million times “You look great!”. It really is amazing. People who say those words may not know what it took to get to that point. He will tell you that it took hard work and shear determination to continue day after day with the process. He had to have people around him to encourage him when he wanted to give up. He laughs about it now, but he threw up during his first work out and hurt in places he didn’t even know he could hurt. The process was painful and long, but well worth it. He not only looks great, but he has changed his whole lifestyle. He eats healthy and has become an athlete again. The before and after pics are below.                                                  

                                

Before

After

It is amazing how people react to physical transformations, whether it is in a butterfly, a house or a person. Some are motivated or inspired by the transformation. Not to take away from people who make physical transformations (I am actually striving to make one myself.), but what if we were equally motivated or inspired by spiritual transformations.  What if we pursued the spiritual transformations like we do the physical ones? I know that type of transformation is not as evident as the physical one to others, but it is definitely superior in importance. Spiritual transformations just like any others do not take place over night. To be truly transformed, it must happen inwardly. God has to be allowed to do a complete renovation of our heart. It is a process just as is the case of the butterfly or the home make-over. Sometimes the process hurts. Sometimes in the process we "lose weight" in the form of people who are not a part of our destiny or things that need to be let go. Sometimes the process gets overwhelming. We may want to give in and quit. There may even be times when it seems like nothing is happening, but keep the end result in mind. Stay the course and know that the process is worth it! Allow God to do a complete work in you. You will indeed be transformed! Be encouraged today!

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Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17