Transformation

[Jamie]

In this section we read of the transformation of Judah from selling Joseph into slavery to volunteering to stay in prison so that Benjamin can be free. What are the stories of transformation in the Bible that inspire you? Why?

[Anonymous]

The transformation story that sticks out to me the most in the Bible is Saul’s transformation to Paul. There is such a drastic difference between the man who was “breathing murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” and the apostle who wrote so many of the letters in the New Testament (Luke 9:1). This change is encouraging because it shows the power of Christ. Paul understood the power of the people who were persecuting Christians because he was one of them, yet after meeting Jesus he not only believed in Him but was very bold with his faith. This inspires me to be bold in my faith. Paul went from living for this world to living for Christ no matter the consequences in this world. This inspires me to view my life as part of a much larger plan and to trust God with my life.

[Anonymous]

Paul is indeed inspiring! I think another truly inspiring transformation story in the Bible is Peter’s. Peter was a disciple of Jesus, but he betrayed Jesus and pretended that he did not know who he was after his arrest. Despite that, Jesus did not turn him away because of what he had done but still accepted him as a disciple. Peter then went on to preach the gospel boldly from Pentecost on.
This story is truly amazing to me. Peter was so afraid of being known as a follower of Christ that he denied knowing him, yet Jesus accepted him back. This tells me that even though fear may prevent us from living as the Christ followers that we are from time to time, Jesus won’t forsake us. It also speaks to me that the Holy Spirit can give us boldness to live the lives that Jesus has called us to live. What amazing truths!

[bstadle1]

I have always been struck by the story of Samson. I remember reading his story in Judges when I had first become a follower of Jesus, and I rememeber being very inspired by his sacrifice. Samson was brought to complete humiliation by his own pride, selfishness, and lust, but was not overcome by his failings. He allowed God to transform him even if for just a moment, that he might return to following God, wherever it lead (even to death).

That final scene of Samson bracing himself on the pillars and pushing with every bit of strength left in his broken body, with full knowledge that if he succeeded he would surely die… Epic!

[Anonymous]

Esther stands out to me in this category of saving her entire nation with her courage. Chosen to join the harem of Persian King Xerxes, as she rises to the position of queen in time to uncover a plot to destroy the Jewish people. Only by risking her own life would she be able to have the power and influence to stop the plot. God is not mentioned at all in the book specifically, but His fingerprints are all over the events. A powerful story.

[Jamie]

Esther, Paul, Peter, and Sampson – pretty awesome dudes! Follow-up question: Reflect back to your life one, two, or five years ago – what is your transformation story? How has Christ transformed you? In what specific areas?

[Anonymous]

I would say it was about four years ago when I was really struggling with my faith. I grew up in a Christian home but when it came time for me to make my faith in God my own, I had a hard time trusting God with my life. Some things started to happen in my life which caused me to rely on God to help me through those times. This is when my relationship with Him really began. I had been going through the motions of a Christian but I think I was living my parents faith and not my own. The struggles I went through were not what I would ask for but I can say without a doubt that through them I learned who God was and that He will never leave me or forsake me.

[Anonymous]

I Don’t even know how to answer this question but here i go. Is so hard to think about the person I use to be about 2 years ago and some of you that know my story i don’t want to go much into detail here. I just know that God changed the desires of my heart to be his in order to serve him in any way that i can. I use to live in the desires of my own flesh where i remember things would be feel right for such a while while later i come to realization and it brought me to feel lonely and so much pain in my heart. About a day ago the Lord brought me to a scripture thinking about this question, he brought me to 2Corinthians 3:12-18 where he reminded me that all my sins have been taken away because of the life that Christ gave me. It told me that i don’t have to live in that shameful and sinful life that i use to live. The verse that really hit me was verse 17, it says “now the lord is the spirit and where the spirit of the lord is , there is FREEDOM. I am free, Jesus has offered me a life without condemnation a life that i can be free of sin, in where i won’t feel pain or sadness but i would feel joy because Christ is in me. It also says because of his glory I am being transformed into his image. Because i been renewed he transformed my heart and my mind i am not that person anymore.

I also use to be such a sad and angry person that recently i’ve seen myself talking to people that i never even met before in my life and hearing there stories, exchanging numbers and talking about each others life and then at the end of our talk we plan on finding a day to hangout again and seeing each other. LAtely i’ve meet girls my age, where they reminded me of where i was standing before, where they are not walking with God. But i know that I have not met these girls by accidents or anything but because God has a plan for them and wants to use me? I Also been surrounded by homeless people everywhere i go. There is one lady that i always go see before i catch my bus to go to school and talk to her. She loves God so much that is so encouraging to hear the spirit speak through her we pray together and just listen to each other. i love it everyday she has a new story to tell me. She is a really old old woman and VERY wise her spirit is like no other. I know the lord is constantly there by my side where ever i walk. I always tell him that if there is anyway that i can serve him in order for his will to be done i am all for it. I can’t see me doing all this about two years ago. I Love how the Lord changes, molds us into something amazing and pure full of love but specially he gives us freedom.

[Author]

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