Transformed

Tired, I flipped off the news, shaking my head to clear the horrid war images from my mind. My thoughts echoes a voiced question posed to me earlier that day, “Why is this world so hard?”

I wish there were a simple explanation and an even easier fix.

I partly knew why this world was so hard. There’s a very real enemy out there who loves to distract, discourage and destroy. It would be easy to cling to Christ if life were all sunshine and rainbows. No, our enemy doesn’t want it easy on us. Our faith is the result of hard-won experience of trusting even when we cannot see. Believing when all else would point the other way. And following when we cannot necessarily see the destination.

It’s hard.

Especially when I’m physically, mentally, and spiritually exhausted.

What’s the cure?

Time with God.

So simple, yet devilishly difficult to do if I permit myself to ponder into a pity-party.

Romans 12:2 says “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.”  

Don’t conform any longer… Is my discouragement a pattern of this world? The acceptance of that discouragement being ‘normal’ is depressing, and serves to distract and discourage me further.

What does God instruct me to do?

Transform myself by the renewing of my mind.

The best way to renew my mind is to spend time with God. That doesn’t mean He wants me looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. He wants me focused on the truth. He wants me thinking about the truth. He also wants me to remember what He calls me to do: live for Him.

When I’m focused on Him and His word, I will learn to discern what His plan is for me, my purpose. He calls me to a life witnessing for Him. He doesn’t call me to fix every problem, right every injustice, or make peace with each fight.

He’s God and He will take care of that all in His time. My focus should be on His word, allowing Him to transform me. Help me focus on what I can do.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that I do not need to become overwhelmed by the events surround me. Thank You for reminding me that I only need to do what You have planned for me. Thank You that You will transform my outlook and my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.