PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Yesterday, I spent the day in Wilkesboro, NC for FaithFest. An all-day Christian music festival, the line up included Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, and for KING & COUNTRY. It was a day of praise, worship, and despite multiple layers of SPF 100—a sunburn. I went with my friend Tracey and we had an amazing time!
Late afternoon, I realized something when I was scrolling through my Facebook memories between acts. I had been at a concert seven years earlier on the same day. But I assure you, it was a VERY different environment than the one I was in yesterday. I had tears in my eyes as I told Tracey. It is a testament to the way God can work in our lives and change us.
Seven years ago, I was at an event where the music celebrated worldly pleasure and sin. Yesterday, I was at an event that celebrated Jesus Christ.
Seven years ago, I thought I understood how music could exhilarate you. Yesterday, I experienced music that was exhilarating, uplifting, encouraging, and did what music is supposed to do—inspired.
My life looks so much different now than it did seven years ago. I am not that person anymore. And that credit goes to Jesus Christ. When I gave up my own way, He began to change me.
Seven years ago, I was a Christian in the technical sense, but I was not in a relationship with God. I had let my faith lapse years earlier and was content going my own way.
Until I wasn’t.
Last night, I really understood Romans 12:2a in a new way: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” (ESV).
Seven years ago, I was conformed to the world. Today, I am transformed by Jesus and He is still working on me!
Today, as you pray, give all praise, honor, and glory to Jesus who can turn a mess into a message! Thank Him for His ability to transform any heart that is willing to be changed! Ask the Holy Spirit to keep working on you. Ask Him to make you more like Jesus every single day.
