When U Pray

For the month of August we will have four wonderful women discuss with us the transformation into being A true Woman of God. This week I’m like bubbling over with joy as Minister Angela Hood speak to us on the transformation process!! As you’re reading simply ask yourself “How is your current situation working for you?”

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord- who is the Spirit makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT
Transition and Change … no one want 

 to deal with these items. We dream of a better life, we want better and many of us may even yearn for something better. This hunger can take us to the point of experiencing the unsettled discomfort of where we are. There are some that will lose sleep and even others that their very bodies will cry out when the place that they are does not line up with the place that they are called to be. Isn’t it wonderful how God equips us with an internal compass? Just like in the natural, a compass will always point north, in the spiritual and moral realm we have been “hardwired” with a device that let’s our spirit-man know when we are off course.You know just what I am talking about. At times this reckoning is so internal and private that it will probably not be the topic of casual conversation at the Saturday BBQ. It is often easier to discuss other people or events rather than to look someone square in the eye and recognize that the place/state/relationship/job or condition we are in no longer fits. Perhaps it never did. Maybe it was a detour. Or your growth and development warrants a new environment. Even if we do not admit it verbally to others or ourselves; when we are standing in the mirror and our own reflection stares back at us there is a knowing from our soul that resonates in our eyes, if we pause long enough to really see ourselves.
And this is where things get scary. We want better in our heart. Our mind knows that on a academic level better is possible. Our spirit is crying out for us to take posession of all that the Lord has in store for us. But our flesh – well, he is kicking and dragging. If he (our flesh) has been eating ice cream and fried fatty foods he’s not going to want to stop and eat fruit, veggies and a healthier diet. Unless the desire for something different exceeds the need to remain comfortable there can be no change.
When John the Baptist was telling people to “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” he wasn’t asking for everybody to say they were sorry. He was saying “Hey! Stop thinking that way. It’s not working. Learn to do things God’s way.” (Angela’s Revised Amplified FrFr Version). Before we even think about changing we must transition our thought process. Romans 12 talks about being transformed by the renewing of our minds. One of my favorite questions came to me courtesy of Dr. Phil. He often asks “how is that working for you?”. I love this because if what we are doing is not working it’s time to learn to do things differently. And if we are consistent in a behavior then we should admit that on some level it is working for us. Our mind must become renewed in the way we receive, process and value information. The Holy Spirit will challenge our way of thinking. He will either tell us, guide us into or show us a different direction through others.
Change is uncomfortable and requires inconvenience. We say we want to lose weight but do we want to exercise? We want to finish our degree but are we willing to attend classes, stay up late studying and read all the required material? We want healthy thriving relationships but that warrants vulnerability, communication, sacrifice and don’t forget boundaries. We want a deeper, closer walk with God but are we willing to turn off the tv, shut down the cell phone to seek and hear Him? All change costs. Are you willing to pay the price?
There will come a time when you look in the mirror and you will know deep within you that it is time. Anais Nin says it this way “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”. Like a caterpillar inside the cocoon facing the appointed time: you will burst forth. It will be awkward and uncomfortable. It may even require pain or some type of force to thrust you into your blessed place. One thing I can assure you is that the experience you will have with God through the process is worth your discomfort! He will show you his faithfulness and mercy. An old hymn saying “time is filled with swift transitions…build your hope on things eternal- hold to his hand, God’s unchanging hand”. God is immutable, this means He CANNOT change (Mal 3:16). This fact makes HIM the perfect anchor to hold fast to while you weather any and every storm. You can count on him no matter what comes or goes. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He is our real #Day1 and always down for you -remember that and stay open to learning His way!
From glory to glory … keep the faith!
Rev. Angi