by Desiree Bustamante

Transformation happens in God’s perfect timing.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 New Living Translation

Once the flowers of this Autumn Joy plant die, they dry out, turn chocolate brown and stay fairly sturdy, surviving wind and winter snows. In the spring I cut off the old brown flower heads, then new leaves can grow until new flowers are formed. When I took this photograph of my plant, I realized I had missed cutting off the old blooms from last season. The old stalks remained because they don’t easily decay without pruning.

Have you ever had trouble pruning out the old in your life? Maybe you are trying to conquer a bad habit, a destructive thought pattern, or an inaccurate view of God that hinders you. You are making progress and feel like a summer flower. Then an unexpected event occurs and hinders your growth, leaving you feeling dried up, stuck and hopeless.

Being transformed by God is never easy, IF you try to do it on your own power. Letting God transform you by changing the way you think usually doesn’t happen overnight. God is working in you in ways you might not yet see or understand. God has His own timeline for healing your heart and mind and realigning your thoughts to become His thoughts. It takes prayer, perseverance, and faith to not give up or give in to despair.

While the transformation is happening, God never leaves you. He only wants the best for you, including peace of mind and heart. Keep trusting that He has a purpose for you and is with you every step of your journey to transformation. Rest in Him, praise Him and seek His guidance. He will never fail you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado