Agents of Change
Embracing God’s Painful But Powerful Refining Process
I remember studying for college and reading about metamorphic rocks and the "agents of change" that bring about transformation. There are three major agents of change in the rock cycle: heat, pressure, and water. I can't help but think of this process when life gets difficult. I can feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit saying, "this is what I'm doing in you! I'm transforming you into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ... don't resist my agents of change."
Fellow Christians, when you feel like you are going through the fire and the stresses of life overwhelm you, remember that God is using those very ingredients to shape you and mold you into the man or woman He desires you to be! He is much more concerned with building your character than making you comfortable. Like any bodybuilder knows, the tearing, stretching, and burning is what builds muscle. Rather than asking to be released from trials, ask the Lord what He is teaching you and how you can be more like Christ in the process. Submit your will to His and watch how He makes something beautiful.
"He is much more concerned with building your character than making you comfortable."
Heat and pressure do not create a comfortable combination, but it is the only way to bring about true and lasting change. There is peace to be found in this process, however, as the third agent of change is water. During your times of difficulty do not neglect the "washing of the water of The Word." (Ephesians 5:26) The Word of God is your life source in times of tribulation! The water of The Word cools down the flames and eases the friction by drawing you closer to Jesus and fixing your mind on eternal truth rather than temporal circumstances.
Consider the sedimentary rock limestone; it is massively prevalent on this planet but not very useful or beautiful by any means. In contrast, if limestone is allowed to endure intense heat and pressure, it results in the metamorphic rock marble.
The transformation is difficult, but the result is a rock that is much more useful and beautiful. God wants to do that in you and through you! He wants to make you useful for his kingdom and beautiful for His delight. He wants to transform you by the "renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
Friends, lets not attempt to escape the very agents that God uses to transform us. Instead, may we find comfort in His grace that shapes us even when it's painful and uncomfortable. May we find solace in the example of our savior who endured the pressures of man and the fires of hell to release the waters of salvation. If Jesus "learned obedience through the things which He suffered," (Hebrews 5:8), we must not assume that we are above our master. (Luke 6:40)