Do not conform 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, NIV)
Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect. – (Romans 12:2, ERV)
Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete. – (Romans 12:2, VOICE)
Instead of just going with what is socially acceptable, we are charged with seeking God to move in and through us in a way that transforms us to more clearly reflect Him. In order to do so, we must seek the Lord with our heart, mind, and soul, for it is there that He shows us what is good and pleasing to Him, and makes it possible for us to love as He does. God does not require us to be a certain way to love us, rather He loves us as we are and then transforms us to be more of who He has designed us to become. The clearest picture we have as to the sort of heart He has for us is to look to Jesus. Jesus led with kindness, compassion, goodness, grace, self-control, and above all, love. He touched the “untouchable”, spoke to those whom the world deemed “unworthy”, and did all things in love. As we give God access to transform us, we more readily choose to love as He loves. Additionally, we gain a clearer picture of what is and is not His will for our life. Incredibly, He has a plan and purpose for each of us, and every step we take can move us either closer to or further from what He has for us. Thankfully, He can take our steps and missteps and use them to show us more of Himself. I am in awe of how He shows us new possibilities of how He can lead us in the new. The longer I wait, the more I simply choose to trust Him to orchestrate what is meant to be in each season. Of course there are steps that I must take, but often, after stepping forward in faith, there is a space of waiting for either what is or what is not to be. Either way, His goodness does not change, and His love continues to lead. May we ever trust the Lord as we earnestly seek Him, for He transforms us to become more and more of who He has uniquely created us to be.
Choose not to give in,
to ways of the world;
instead seek the Lord,
He’ll show us what’s good.
The good in His sight,
and right ways to go;
as our heart’s made new,
and His love is shown.
His ways are higher,
far better than ours;
possibilities,
new He empowers.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and loving and kind, and that You have incredible plans for us that go far beyond what we could hope or imagine. Forgive us for the times that we aimlessly wander or walk away from what You have for us. Teach us to seek You in faith, and to trust You as You lead us in each new step forward. Show us what is best, and help our faith to grow. Lead us to love those around us in ways that encourage and make Your love tangible. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You and listen to Your leading, for Your ways are always best. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Revelations In Writing 