Over the years we have worked in countries around the world, providing Scriptures and teaching people how to lead a Christ-filled life. Governments have welcomed us, communities have started churches and those considered to be outcasts have found their value in God’s Word. We have seen individuals, families, and communities be transformed by having access to the Bible, but what does transformation really mean?
The Bible is filled with stories of transformation. From David who found courage and strength to fight Goliath and later become King, to Zacchaeus who changed his ways after Jesus met with Him, to Jonah who found courage after God intervened through the use of a large fish. These are just a few stories of people in the Bible who were transformed by God. These people did not change in just one area of their life, however. They were transformed entirely because God’s Word and goodness changed their innermost being. They were able to find peace, courage, strength and forgiveness, forever setting them on a path that God planned for them, and that was better than anything they could ever imagine. Through being transformed on the inside, their lives were transformed on the outside.
We do not have to only look at the Bible to see acts of transformation. They are all around us. When we accept God into our hearts, we are forever changed. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we accept Christ into our lives, He works through all of the hurt, fear, anger, and past experiences that affect our daily life. He brings us healing so that we may walk forward and find joy in what God has planned for us. From the inside, we are transformed. Instead of living in sin and shame, we can live as a light of Christ.
We have been so blessed to be able to meet with people in the countries that we work in, and hear their stories. Some have learned that they are valued and loved by God after believing that they were worthless; children have found patience and understanding and are now showing God’s kindness to others, in communities where violence is the norm; and people who have been shamed and hurt have found peace and comfort. God’s Word changes lives from the inside out, and we see it every day! How has He transformed your life?
“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”
Psalm 138:3