Two-minute read.
What does a transformed life look like? Paul’s words to the Romans sum it up: joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Once we understand the gospel and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, transformation begins. I live more like the Savior today than ever before, but I still have a long way to go, as do we all.
I finally figured out why doctors “practice” medicine and lawyers “practice” law. Because in both these fields, you must put into practice what you learn in school. And they learn so much, they never stop practicing or learning. Discoveries in medicine and new nuances in the law cause both professions to evolve constantly, hopefully becoming better. And sometimes, when practicing, they make mistakes, something we all have in common.
In the same way, we “practice” following Jesus. Every day, we do what we know to do and what we’ve learned from the Savior, other believers, and the Bible. We practice forgiving those who hurt us, praying for and blessing people, and living out the great commandment, loving God and others. As we do these things, our lives transform, and those around us can see the transformation.
Without realizing it, we will begin living with joyful hope, patient endurance in affliction, and faithful prayer. The Lord’s light will begin to reflect from us, drawing others to it. Each day, we’ll transform more.
Trusting Jesus means we live with confident expectation of His promises. Our hope includes the Lord’s constant presence in our lives, Christ’s eventual return, eternal life, and the completion of God’s work in us. Because we have a future secure in Jesus, we can rejoice, even when life gets hard. We choose confidence in God’s faithfulness despite our present challenges.
Prayer starts the conversation. We ask Jesus to come into our lives, and then we keep talking to Him. Connecting with the Savior doesn’t require flowery words or long, drawn-out sentences. Talk to God like a best friend, because He is. No one loves you more, cares about the details of your life more, or wants to participate in it with you more than your Creator. Keep the conversation going and enjoy a full relationship with the best friend you will ever have.
Journal Questions:
- What situation is testing your patience?
- How can prayer help you endure?
- What lesson might God be teaching you?
Stressbuster:
Slowly savor a favorite beverage.
