Learning to turn toward Jesus in our troubled moments is one characteristics of a transformed life. Let’s explore 7 characteristics of a transformed life.
1. We trust God in the valley of suffering.
Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted.
It’s easy to buy the lie that God has abandoned us during long seasons of suffering; however, if we keep our hearts soft, some of the most profound encounters with God often happen in the valley of suffering.
2. We embrace weakness as the platform for God to move in power.
In our weakness, God makes his power known (see 2 Cor. 12:9-10).
The one who has been transformed by God understands that weakness is always the starting point for God to work.
3. We view adversity as an opportunity for growth.
My darkest seasons in life have also been the seasons of greatest growth. I’ve learned to see difficulties as opportunities for growth.
God uses adversity to shape us and transform us into the image of his Son. When we learn to embrace this humbling work, we are transformed by God.
4. We welcome God’s divine interruptions to our plans.
Broken appliances, flat tires, sick children, and family emergencies often feel like detours. Meanwhile, God’s assignments are hidden within these unexpected circumstances.
As Henri Nouwen once suggested, interruptions often feel like they hinder my work; more accurately, the interruptions are my work.
Learning to stay calm and embrace life’s interruptions is a sure sign of transformation into the image of Christ.
5. We view fear as a prompt that sends us closer to God.
Nothing leads me to take my eyes off Christ like a battle with fear.
Sadly, when I let fear become my focus, I worship my fear. Fear dominates my thoughts and preoccupies my mind.
We cannot worship God while worshiping our fears.
Meanwhile, when we learn to view fear, worry, and anxiety as reminders to turn toward Jesus for help, these emotions become vessels of grace. They lead us straight to the One who will never leave us.
6. We endure trails with patience.
We are developing spiritually when we learn to endure instead of giving up when life is tough.
The one who can endure struggles with patience is becoming more like Jesus.
7. We lovingly put the needs of others first.
We are born with the strong desire to preserve ourselves at all costs.
As we grow closer to Christ, he transforms us into people who put the needs of others first.