I have been throwing around the idea of starting a blog for quite a while now, yet the same excuse always arises--I don't have the time! However, I have been feeling challenged by the Lord to spend time self-reflecting and really relishing over what he is teaching me. Last week at Bible Study, we talked about how easy it is to see God at work in the life of others, yet we so often miss out on the small things (or even the big things) He is doing in our lives. I am so guilty of this. I simply want this blog to be a tool that I use to glorify our Lord and Savior. As followers of Christ, I believe it is helpful to testify of our struggles and our victories so others may be encouraged. Everyday is a battle, and it is so comforting to know that there are many others going through the same things that you are. All that being said, I am not making any commitments to this blog. I will write as I feel led by the Holy Spirit, and when my plate is not overflowing with school work.
I will quickly explain why I chose "Transformed by the Gospel" for the name of my blog. Well first and foremost, I wanted this blog to be more about Jesus and less about me. Secondly, I am doing the bible study "Faithful, Abundant, True" by Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer, and Beth Moore. Let me start by saying that I thoroughly enjoy this study and the women I am doing it with. God has blessed me with an awesome small group here in Greenville. I am sure you will hear a lot more about this study and these women over the next couple months. Anyways, one of the questions we were asked a few weeks ago was, "What would you say has been the greatest display of the Holy Spirit's power you've seen in your life?" I pondered over this questions for a few minutes, and concluded that it was "transformation". For those of you who know my story, you know that I have only been a Christian for a little over 6 years now, so the life I led before is still semi-fresh in my memory. When I look back on these past 6 years, I am in awe of how powerful the Holy Spirit really is. If you need to be reassured of that--please talk to someone who has recently placed their faith in Christ. Being made new is a feeling like nothing else you have experienced in your life. Yes, one second I was a wretched sinner with no hope, and the next I was a beloved child of God. But that was the only thing instantaneous about my transformation. I am still being transformed and renewed in Christ, and I will continue to be for the rest of my time here on earth. Everything about me has changed (and is still changing)--who I am, what I value, what I look for in relationships (with friends and boyfriends) and especially my outlook on life. Now I have an eternal HOPE! Yes, I still have struggles, but now I can face them with joy in my heart, and my hope in eternity! I can without a doubt testify that these changes were only made possibly by the power of Christ. Amen!
Okay that's all for now. My to-do list is long, and it's already after 9pm. Oops!
I will leave you with this...
"Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
