"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect." -Romans 12:2 NRSV
I used to love watching "Extreme Makeover" shows, particularly "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." There is just something so satisfying about seeing a good "before and after" picture. Couple that with the story that often goes behind the renovation, someone who is now being blessed beyond what they can imagine after having gone through extreme struggle and despair.
I think the reason we find that compelling is that we all get caught in that extreme struggle, and something within us yearns for that "extreme makeover." We get in these crises and ruts that feel completely impossible and unredeemable. So hearing these stories of redemption can lighten our hearts and give us hope.
The truth is, this "extreme makeover" is available to all of us through the blood of Christ. And God doesn't just "fix" what we think is wrong.
Do you know that difference between repair and renovation? Repair means to fix what is perceived to be wrong, to help things keep working as they did before. Renovation is a complete overhall, often involving expansion and almost always involving updates and improvements. It makes things better, more valuable and desirable.
God's redemption is not just a quick repair job. It's a complete renovation.
For those who have things in their life that need fixing, know this: God wants to do more than just repair what seems wrong in your life. If you will keep giving it all to God, God can and will use it to build something better in you than you have ever know or could even imagine to ask for.
But it doesn't start with the outside. Renovation begins with a surrender of our own thoughts and beliefs in exchange for the wisdom of God. We usually value our own understanding far too much, and it can be hard to let go of. But to trade our thoughts for God's wisdom is an eternally wise investment.
If you have not yet surrendered your life for God's freedom and salvation, now is a good time to start that journey. If you need to know how, inbox me, as I would be honored to walk on this journey with you.
Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash
