Some movies can be recommended to all people. The now playing “I Can Only Imagine”, is one of those movies. It is a portrayal of the real life story behind the number one popular gospel song with the same title. It is a song that has made a hit in both gospel and secular circles. There is one phrase in my mind about the movie that I associate with its theme, and that is “transforming power.” Spring is a time of transforming power. This past Tuesday was the first day of spring, and we have been seeing bare brown branches being transformed into beautiful displays of vibrant, colorful life. Redbuds, Bradford Pears, and Tulip trees are all showing out in royal array. Transforming power is wonderful. It can make something beautiful and enjoyable out of something that is not so beautiful, or even something that is very ugly and grotesque. With both the movie and the time of spring, we see the results of the sure, steady, working of the life and plan of God that is constantly operating in the fabric of everyday life.
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 1: 4-9 and 2 Thessalonians 5:23-24 that God is faithful to work in our lives to transform us from how we are in ourselves to being “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Now that’s good news! It is good to know that God does not give up on us, but is faithful to keep working with us. God’s life and ability is there for us to draw on by faith in Jesus Christ. His grace enables us to overcome all things and succeed in carrying out his will for our life. For that to happen, transformation must take place, and God is faithful to see that it does.
Our part is to hold to his word of promise in faith and give ourselves in obedience to his promptings on a daily basis. By doing this, the miracle of new life buds forth and comes to full bloom filling our world with the evidence of a living God who desires good for all. This transformation causes us to have a song in our heart where there was sadness, and fruit is born where there was barrenness. The life of God in our life always brings transformation. Looking unto Jesus and embracing and seeing Jesus, the living Word of God, brings that life of God into all of our life for all to see, admire, and enjoy. God is faithful. We can trust him to bring about this awesome transformation.