Yesterday we talked about seeking God before you need Him. But what happens when you do?

Things begin to change.

The closer you get to Jesus, the more aware you become of the things in your life that don't look like Him. Sometimes people think they're getting worse because they're noticing their struggles more than ever before.

That’s not what’s happening though. God is opening your eyes!!

The Bible calls this sanctification. That's a big word that simply means God is making us holy.

I had to learn that this part of following Jesus can be uncomfortable.

He starts dealing with our pride, our attitudes, our words, and this one--àour unforgiveness & grudges against others.  The things we once justified suddenly begin to bother us.

Paul understood this battle. In Romans 7, he described the struggle between the flesh & the spirit. He wanted to do what was right, but there was still a war taking place inside of him.

Maybe you've felt that too but don't let that discourage you. The battle isn't proof that God has left you! It’s prod that He's working in you!

Every single conviction you feel about what you’ve been doing wrong is an invitation to become more like Jesus.

Every time you choose to be obedient to what the Word says over feeling comfortable, you're allowing Him to form you into His image. And that’s what the Christian walk is all about! We are supposed to become more like Him so that we can go and be disciples ourselves, picking up others along the way just like He did when he started with the 12. It’s a chain reaction!

But know that holiness isn't about becoming perfect overnight. It's about surrendering every day to the One who is perfect & allowing Him to continue forming you into His image. Don’t rush it. It took a long time to become who you are today & it’ll take the rest of this human life to become more & more like Him until you meet Him one beautiful day!

Reflection

What is one area of your life where God might be calling you to greater surrender today?

Prayer

Father, thank You for loving me enough not to leave me where I am. Continue shaping my heart to look more like Jesus. Give me the strength to say yes to Your Spirit & no to my flesh. Form me into the person You've called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1/2