Transformed

Just the other day, I was sitting on my patio enjoying some desperately needed me time, while sipping on freshly made coffee just relishing in the silence. I had not a single thought stirring of today’s to-do-list as the wind gently glided against my face, and I could hear the sweet sounds of birds chirping among the trees that surrounded me. Almost out of nowhere, one of the most beautiful butterflies I had ever seen decided to land just feet from where I was sitting. It had the most amazing vibrant colors; woven into the most intricate patterns, and fluttered its wings back and forth as if it didn’t have a single care in the world. I found myself mesmerized by the outward beauty of this creation, and couldn’t help but to reflect on what it once must have been. The journey of its metamorphosis was the key to the beauty it now portrays as a witness to the outside world.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, the apostle Paul writes “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” When we give up our life to walk with Christ, we ultimately become brand new beings from the inside out. Through the power of The Holy Spirit, we no longer cling to what we once were, but in turn, are given a new life in Him. We are not just simply reformed, rehabilitated or even re-dedicated, we truly become re-created. Just like the butterfly emerging from its cocoon, when we emerge as followers of Christ, we not only turn a new leaf, we begin a new life under a brand new Master.

Stefanie Calens
Writer

WAIT

It was early morning the day after the fourth of July and we were headed to the hospital. The babies were impatient. The doctors had hoped they would stay put until that day.

When we arrived we went right to the room where our daughter-in-law was uncomfortably waiting. Our son was in a calm but anxious mood. We gave words of encouragement then went to our place in the waiting room. And we waited. First there was the news that she would be going soon. But, we still waited. As the morning progressed (and she did not) we learned that there was a delivery that had difficulty, which was causing her delivery to wait. After days in the hospital, with doctors trying their best to postpone a too early delivery, everyone was more than ready to greet the new arrivals.

Then, it was time. We moved to the hallway to pace and stand and pray. Right now I cannot tell you how long that wait actually was but it seemed like 40 days! We were in a place we had visited often and felt comfortable, but we didn’t like the wait of this day. Everything was familiar but the wait was excruciating.

There are times when we are so used to being on the fast track that waiting is a foreign feeling to us. In fact, we refuse to wait and plow on to get what we want when we want it. We are in a place that feels familiar so we think we know the best decision. Why wait? We can move forward now, right? But, what if we ask God for direction? Waiting for His instruction makes us stronger and more prepared. Wait, pray, listen, and wait some more until you get the answer from the One who created you.

When our son walked down the hallway to give us the news, my husband and I had a feeling that we can never explain. Our grandsons had arrived and they both were healthy.

The waiting was difficult but the result was love.

Wait for the Lord;
 

be strong and take heart
 

and wait for the Lord. ~ Psalm 27:14

Sherree Fischer

loveSTRONG ministries

Speaker/Facilitator Team Leader

www.lovestrongministries.com