EVERY Way

READY

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” – Ephesians 4:15 

SET

Exposed. That’s the only way to describe it. No more pretending, faking or neglecting. I was dangerously weak, and I knew it—and so did my physical therapist. Nearly a decade after major surgery, pain lingered in my left knee, affecting my daily well-being. Something needed to change.   For comparison, the strength in my strong right leg was measured against my frail left leg. My weakness was exposed. Years of avoiding knee pain meant skipping leg workouts. Atrophy and muscle deterioration set in which inhibited all aspects of life. Yet, in that moment of disappointment, my physical therapist offered words of hope: You can change. A challenge followed: Change takes time; get ready to work.  

The same is true for our hearts. God exposes our weakness in order to reveal reality. Perhaps it’s an area of perpetual sin or lingering doubt. Overlook these for a while and spiritual atrophy occurs, inhibiting daily function. God’s light shines on the hidden areas of our hearts: “For [God] will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives” (1 Corinthians 4:5). It’s not that God can’t see what’s going on; He shows us so that we understand. Honesty is crucial. An illuminated heart doesn’t pretend, fake or neglect. It truthfully admits what’s wrong.   

Discovering weakness and recognizing failure may produce feelings of insecurity. In those moments, God offers hope. His love never changes so that we can change. Because we are rooted in Him, we can confidently embrace exposure. God desires the healing, restoration and strengthening of our hearts so that we live full and fruitful lives (see John 10:10, 15:16). It’s more than mere behavior modification– it’s the transformation of our heart’s desires. God is relentlessly committed to transforming every way of our lives to look more like Christ. It can be uncomfortable and painful, but it’s good.   

Stay encouraged, there’s hope–you can change. And a challenge–change takes time; get ready to work. As God transforms every way of your life, He is with you every step of the way.   

GO 

1. Is God exposing an area of your heart that needs to change?  

2. How does knowing that God’s love for you never changes help you change? 

 WORKOUT

Overtime