Comfy Cozy vs Growing Transformation

Happy "Snowy" Wednesday my friends!

I wanted to share some photos and some thoughts from my farmhouse to you tonight!

I read a quote today that said:

"The goal of the Gospel isn't human comfort but human transformation"

Paul David Tripp

Honestly, I never would have been able to put those words into that phrase myself but it really got me thinking! The Bible and His words do transform our hearts if we allow what we read to fill us up and be our daily bread.

My husband and I have had quite a few discussions over just "how challenging it is to be a Christian"- it's hard some days! There are days it might feel easier to respond in the flesh with anger and bitterness, maybe forgiveness feels nowhere near and perhaps temptations in life become reality.

But when we read our Bibles and hear God's word, we're reminded of our calling as we live out earthly life. We read about the struggles and challenges Jesus faced here on this Earth and we know, based on those stories, the response Jesus had to each one of those trials. With His example and teachings, our hearts can be transformed to be like His too. If we listen, if we read, if we don't just hear but do.

James 2:17 reminds us that faith without action is like having no faith at all. We can't just read God's word, we have to get out there and do God's word.

Transformations can be a pretty amazing thing. They rarely come without a little bit of struggle and a whole lot of change, sometimes a little disappointment, discouragement can creep in and it DEFINITELY takes us out of our comfort zone but the end result is truly worth it as long as we keep focused on God- listening, practicing, sharing, and praying along the way.

For me, the above quote holds true. Being a Jesus follower does lead us into situations and scenarios I otherwise would have continued to bypass. Being a sensitive introvert comes with it all the things that bring me comfort but that's not the way Jesus wants us to live. Reading the Gospel will not only help us grow our faith but also grow and change our hearts too.

I'm not sure what each one of our transformations in our individual lives looks like or where it will take us and what we'll do (remember, we don't have to do BIG things to make a difference and share God's love, even small things make the biggest difference) but I do know our hearts should all have one common goal in the transformation process: to be a follower of Jesus and His heart.

A slight transformation on the farm in 24 hours, how beautiful! Remember, even the "little, baby steps" towards being a follower of Jesus and changing our hearts can make a pretty beautiful transformation. It didn't take much precipitation to make the farm look different but just that small touch made for quite a scenic cruise back the lane this evening.

PS- Don't forget while you're reading your Bible tonight to settle in with a big cup of hot cocoa tonight and eat some extra marshmallows in it too because, why not?!