As Christians, one of the hardest things in life is to see someone you love suffer because of their bad choices. We pray and seek godly counsel only to see the suffering persist. We then believe that their condition will never change. However, as God’s children, His Holy Spirit indwells each of us and provides the power within for change (John 14:17).
God’s Spirit, known as the Holy Spirit, is our change agent who is tasked with transforming us daily into the image of Jesus Christ. More than just a force, the Holy Spirit is our spiritual Helper who works in us to accomplish the things that we are unable to do ourselves.
I have heard the testimonies of Christians who became addicted to one habit after another, trying desperately to quit to no avail. But, once the addiction was given over to God, the Holy Spirit did in Jesus’ strength what they could not do on their own (Philippians 4:13).
Transformation takes time. The “unveiling” of who we will become once the process is complete is known only to God. Just as caterpillars must transform to reach the unveiling stage of a butterfly, we too must endure the transformation process that leads to lasting change.
When Jesus met Simon (Andrew’s brother), the first thing He did was change his name to Peter which means “rock” (John 1:42 CSB). In Peter, Jesus saw a leader who would be instrumental in spreading the gospel and growing the church, although this transformation was not unveiled until after Jesus’ resurrection.
When God sees us, He sees His Son in us and who we will become through the power of the Holy Spirit. As such, let us have more patience and tolerance with our loved ones and one another remembering that everyone’s “unveiling” is still in progress.