June 14, 2020

We are each being transformed – daily – in Christ; if we are dedicated, submitted, and obedient. The prophet Isaiah in chapter 6, was first cleansed of his sins by the Lord and in verse “8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Here I am. Send me! An incredibly powerful statement and prayer! I have heard this described as like signing your name to the bottom of a blank check – and handing it to the Lord. (Is there anyone else you would hand a blank check to?) Have your way with me Lord.

Can you pray that prayer? We are in a time of change and renewal. Transformation Community Church is growing; seeking to transform ourselves as we seek to take Jesus to our community.

As I have meditated on this, asking God for direction and the Holy Spirit’s leading, I have seen examples of transformation all around me. Instances of people who have grown in their commitment to Christ, relationships that with patience, love and attention have blossomed like a butterfly emerging from the caterpillar’s cocoon. Connections that could never have happened without the guiding loving hand of the ‘God who sees.’ That growth didn’t happen overnight, but catastrophes – or pandemics – tend to mess with assumptions, offering a chance for transformation.

With all the moving and remodeling we have done, many closets have been cleaned out. I have had the opportunity to ‘sort through’ papers, boxes and files that have not seen the light of day for a long while. Each one provided a chance to look back, and to look forward. Where have I been? Where am I now? What has God provided? How has His love changed me? Am I more like Jesus now than I was then? As we take this chance, as we pray for our community, our state, our country ... let’s commit to the process. Because while we are changed in the twinkling of an eye, true transformation, real growth, takes time. Commitment. Willingness to be the best version of who God created us to be. An eagerness to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

Here I am Lord. Send me.

Amen.

Pastor Deb