Written by Johanna Zabala, volunteer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela
Once, when I was dressed in white on a rainy day, I got muddy. Immediately, you could see everyone's discomfort when they saw me with that dirt stain. Since that day, I don't dress as often in white, and I prefer dark colors to avoid showing dirt and stains.
That beautiful and memorable dress was never the same and I began to take better care of it. I managed, yes, to remove the stain, but every time I wore it, I was more aware of how I needed to be careful to keep it clean. I believe that everything is a learning experience and makes us grow. So I have already learned that it is too easy to transform something white and clean into something dirty, but not so easy to transform it back again after it is dirty.
Ever since my new spiritual birth, I celebrate new life in Christ Jesus (2Co 5:17). In my new life in Christ, every day is a process full of metamorphosis. Amid great challenges, passions, sacrifices, distractions, struggles, and convictions of faith in our Lord, the Holy Spirit does a constant work in the flesh that polishes without equal like refined gold for the glory of our Almighty God (1Pe 1:7).
The Holy Spirit, while working on my constant transformation, has cleansed me of unholy feelings, thoughts, and actions. In accomplishing such spiritual work, because we are human at the same time, an inner change is needed in order to reflect the Holy Spirit and for God to work and transform my character from day to day, to perfect my attitude, and make it like that of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not easy; it is a walk requiring perseverance and constant denial of myself (Lk 9:23).
Every time I evaluate what my life was like before I met Christ, I thank God that I don't know what my life would be like without the transforming action of the Holy Spirit, especially in moments when faith grows weary. But this results in setting aside my comfortable position and focusing on the denial of my earthly purposes and desires, with an eye on Jesus (Heb 12:2), so that I can follow Him and love Him in obedience and truth.
What does it require of me? Effort, trust, and perseverance. I must say, do, and act in the way that only He would act. I must also recognize at every moment the divine and intercessory action of God molding my mind and heart.
In that transforming love that has enveloped and made me fall in love with Him since He first loved me, it has been God Himself in His infinite power and mercy that has lifted me up and strengthened me in all areas of life with Him. He began in my character and has tamed me from the heart to form in me the holy purpose that bears His name.
Everything in life goes through transformation—everything changes—therefore, do not resist change. For you will rise with Him, through obedience to the gospel (Ac 2:38) and by being crucified together with our Savior (Gal 2:20). He is our Prince of Peace, the Alpha and the Omega, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Living Water, the Bread of Life, the Faithful Friend, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and of course, the One who transforms us. Follow Him and He will do in you what He is doing in me.