“God Calling” today reminds us that inner reform releases the God power within us-or releases God’s power within us. It requires that we get alone with God. We have to enter into that inner “sanctuary” or “tabernacle”; the Holy of Holies in the Spirit. That’s not so easy to do; and tapping into that power is sometimes hard to do because there are constant distractions, there almost always is opposition; and oh, my God, I’m so darn human!
Jesus said our “eye” or perception is the lamp of our bodies. The way we see god, ourselves, others and the situations and circumstances we face is affected by that perception. There’s no difference between the smallest of things or the largest. Both have the power to affect our lives, and therefore are equally important. A “little” pay cut can have a huge impact on someone’s budget; and at the same time, a big surplus may not have a very big impact at all. These are examples of circumstances we may find ourselves in.
When it comes to change; to inner reform and transformation, even the smallest transformation can have a large impact. One small change can make a big difference. Once inner transformation begins to take root and we begin to stand fast in it, the outward manifestations of the reform and transformation become visible. I’m reminded of the big catch of fish when the disciples simply moved the net to the other side of the boat. I’m reminded by that story, of the times I’ve “bitten off more than I could chew” in that transformation process. Sometimes we try to do too much at one time or take too big a step too soon. Again, I’m reminded of Peter; especially when he was walking on the water. Sometimes Peter got ahead of himself and even Jesus. Sometimes he found out that his faith wasn’t quite where it needed to be or that he was lacking some understanding in a certain circumstance or situation. But his relationship with the Lord grew as he made inward changes and transformations.
Paul wrote about his struggle with inner reform and transformation. He said the very things that he didn’t want to do; the things he wanted most to change were the ones that he had the greatest struggle with. They presented the greatest challenges for him. But, when we read from Romans through his life, we see the growth happening in him and his relationship with the Lord over the years too.
I’m someone who gets easily frustrated. “When God, when?” Why, God, why? and Why should I?” Come into our “conversations” a lot-well, not so much anymore, but there was a time. “When is it going to be someone else’s turn?” That was one of my favorites. As far as God’s concerned, nobody else needs a turn in your inner transformation. So much for getting out of that one, huh?
If we take our time, if we’re diligent, and we stand firm, stand fast in our transformation, we will begin to see real outward manifestations of our growth and transformation.
