We are living in a chaotic world where people and institutions appear to have gone stark raving mad. Most people are saying and doing the unthinkable. On the present trajectory one wonders if the world will survive. Sadly most Christians are caught up in this madness going from bad to worse. Has the world lost its mind as we are being plunged into insanity and the coming apocalypse? This is a question that should haunt all of us. Although we have not yet seen the walking dead, we are seeing more of the population suffering from an increasing number of mental disorders that are causing absolute pandemonium and unbelievable lawlessness. Even our government cannot function because of the anarchy and hateful divisions. None of this appears to be God’s purpose for our lives. The whole world has drifted back into darkness believing that humanity can solve all of its mounting problems. Unfortunately, they can’t. With the coming increase in global suffering, it will only harden the hearts of humanity. Most will blame God and seek to eliminate his followers. As evil and darkness invades our world, God still has the same purpose for humanity. Simply put God’s purpose for our life is transformation, so, that we can become all that God created us to be.

Transformation is the only thing that will overcome the darkness and allow His marvelous light to shine in our hearts. This goes much deeper than just changing minds. It changes our attitudes, character, personality, and emotions to the very depths of our hearts. In essence, we are made into a new creation motivated by a self-giving agape love. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17). This is a marvelous transformation that allows us to see everything in a different light. The transformed person looks beyond the color, race, nationality, and outward appearance of others to see only the unspoken needs often hidden in their hearts. The transformed person is quick to forgive and follows all the rules of non-retaliation. The transformed person rejoices always and is thankful in all things. The transformed person has a deep abiding love for God, always quick to follow His lead in all humility trusting in God exclusively. The transformed person is always growing Spiritually from one degree of glory to another and is eager to use his Spiritual gifts for the common good. The transformed person is patient in affliction and rejoicing that he is counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. Transformation completely changes everything to the glory of God.

Transformation on your own is an impossible thing to do allowing the world to slip even deeper into darkness. Many have tried and have failed miserably. They have read and memorized their Bible attempting to follow every command. They have attended their church meetings and associated with other like-minded believers. In all that they have tried transformation seems like an impossible thing to accomplish. So, most have grown comfortable in the lukewarm church and sharing Scripture or prayer requests on social media platforms. Not only are they failing at transformation in Christ, but many are growing angry and bitter with the increasing trials and tribulations in the world. Many have felt the brunt of changing weather patterns, from the increasing heat index to the violent storms, and from rising floods to ravaging forest fires. It’s also taking a toll on God’s children. The list could go on to include earthquakes, tornadoes, uncontrolled lawlessness, and a falling economy. These trials and tribulations have caused many to curse the name of God and strike back at others with a vengeance. Instead of transformation trials and tribulations are driving people further into darkness and despair. We must turn to God trusting in Him alone to transform our lives in Christ.

The Bible says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). “All things work together for good.” Yes, God will use all things to fulfill His purpose, which includes every trial and tribulation to strengthen our faith in God to bring us through whatever it is we are going through. Trusting in God’s loving providence is essential in the transformation process. We can take a valuable lesson from the initial call of the Apostle Paul. Listen to what Christ says in the Bible. “And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 9:5). The Lord used an old saying, very familiar for those living in that day. It was hard for the Ox to “kick against the pricks” used to keep him in line, especially needed for a stubborn and unyielding animal. In time, the Apostle Paul discovered the amazing benefit of his many times of suffering for the cause of Christ, which kept him in line with God’s will and purpose for his life. We cannot kick against the pricks. We cannot fight against the trials but use them for our benefit by allowing them to transform our lives.

The Bible says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2-3 ESV). Yes, it is a great source of joy knowing that the trial will teach us a valuable lesson, usually discovered at the end of the trial if we remain faithful. I know from many years of experience that it’s not always easy to immediately understand why we must go through a time of great suffering. Yet, we must allow the trial to teach us what must be given up or what must be embraced to continue the process of our transformation in Christ. Furthermore, I have often felt comfort knowing that we will never be tested beyond what we can handle (I Corinthians 10:13). The Bible also tells us, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12:6). Of course, not every trial or time of suffering is chastisement from the Lord. God will give us the wisdom to know if we ask in faith believing. The point is God uses “all things” to help His called children to be transformed in Christ. This is God’s purpose for our lives. Without transformation, the darkness will remain and only get worse. That’s exactly what we see happening in the world today that’s on the verge of self-annihilation. Let us use every trial, including the persecution, to continue our transformation in Christ.

Finally, only true transformation in Christ can produce self-giving agape love. To use another old saying, “Love makes the world go round.” Without true love hate, lawlessness, and wars will continue ravaging the world where it will be destroyed and no longer go around. It’s time for Christians to take a stand, by demonstrating true love to God and one another. It’s time for forgiveness to overcome hatred, anger, and bitterness. It’s time to negotiate with your enemies looking to celebrate a new day of peace and prosperity. Stop being so stubborn and unyielding. Seek peace through love. I call on all of God’s children to start the transformation process today by allowing God to use all things to bring us into alignment with His will. When we do then we will rejoice with every little miracle as we witness God working all things together for good. We will rejoice that we have been found worthy to suffer for the name of Christ. We will rejoice when we see the world with new eyes beyond all the bondages and captivity caused by the powers of darkness. We also see that love truly binds all things together and at the same time overcomes everything with the bright light of God’s glory. Our transformation in Christ will, with the light of God’s glory, overcome the darkness. What a glorious day that will be! Dear children, transformation is God’s purpose for our lives. Are you going to allow God to transform your life in Christ Jesus? I pray that you will.

Please Join me in Prayer

 Good morning Heavenly Father. Oh Lord, we cry out to you asking that you keep us holy and blameless in a world that’s growing increasingly evil every day. Most people have not recognized their own evil and unrighteousness. They believe that they are prepared and ready for your coming. They boast that they are ready but still put their trust in man and his unholy works to solve their emotional and psychological problems. Woe, to those who no longer put their trust in you in the midst of this epidemic of mental illness. They still attempt to walk in the kingdom and in the world at the same time. They have not been sanctified nor are they being transformed by putting off the old life and putting on the new life in Christ. We pray that everyone who calls upon your Name will put all of their trust in you alone to prepare them for your magnificent coming. We profess publicly that you who have called us out of darkness to the light is faithful to do all that you have promised. You will surely do it. You will use “all things” to transform us into a new creation. We pray this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (I Thessalonians 5:24).