The many tests and trials you and I moan and groan about in this Christian life are actually well articulated/designed agents of an incredible transformation process. First and foremost, they are designed to prompt us to direct, intensify and sustain our focus on Jesus, NOT on the test or trial. "Not so easy!", Peter might say, recalling the cold, sinking wetness he felt as he momentarily took his eye off Jesus while walking on the sea.
Perhaps some clarity about the actual transformation process might help us to embrace tests and trials as "all joy", as James insists. (James 1:2)
In any stressful situation, it is human nature to look intently at the stressors. Right? The Word, however, encourages us to look at Jesus, not at the sources of the stress. Imagine something so UN-human! The Word promises as we mentally look at and meditate on Jesus, we are "transformed...from glory-to-glory." (2 Corinthians 3:16-18). Glory may not be a concept we can easily grasp, so some study of the many definitions is encouraged. God refers to us as "the Excellent Ones on the earth, in whom is ALL My delight" (Psalm 16:3), and in His eye, we are indeed shining magnificence. The brightness of our significance is enhanced as we are transformed more and more into the image of Christ.
To aid our assignment, there are four broad 'configurations' in which we can look at Jesus. A mix of these configurations is more than adequate variety to keep us engaged in obedience:
1. Jesus pre-incarnate (before He took on a human body)
2. Jesus incarnate (in human flesh)
3. Jesus as our High Priest
4. Jesus as the King of Kings throughout eternity
From Genesis-to-Revelation, there are plenty of scriptural insights pertaining to each of these 'configurations'. Recall, as the New Testament is "Jesus revealed", the Old Testament is "Jesus concealed" so look carefully and you will surely find Him figuratively and spiritually in every poem, song, tale, tragedy and victory. As life is designed, there is surely NO test or trial to which at least one or more mental image within these configurations of Jesus will not correspond. Half the joy James speaks of may well be the mental challenge and fun of sifting and sorting through, and finding relevant images of Jesus pertaining to our tests and trials. Look carefully and you will perceive His presence, whether as:
--Grace-and-Mercy-Giver
--Forgiver of repented sinfulness
--Judge of un-repented sinfulness
--Predictor of future events
--Orchestrator of predicted events to bring His predictions to light
--Patient Global King in-waiting
--Protector of the righteous
--General in charge of all angels - both holy and un
--Etc., etc.
So how are we transformed, and what do higher levels of brilliant radiance look like? Here are five ways by which we are transformed simply by keeping our focus on Jesus:
1. We are transformed by faith, simply because The Word says we are. Remember, use the 'canvass of your imagination' to paint whatever faith-building picture you like of this promise, and use the 'paint brush of your tongue' (word confessions) to make bold strokes in bold colors. Make it fun!
2. We magnify whatever we mentally focus on. Our minds act like a magnifying glass, so be careful what you focus on intently. Remember the power of even a small magnifying glass we learned about as children, starting small fires on the sidewalk? Focusing on Jesus magnifies Him and minimizes the problems. In response, faith kicks in to keep fear at-bay, and to usher in God's perfecting will in accordance with His Word promises.
3. As we magnify Jesus, His light and life within us begin to disperse the darkness of fear in and around us. There is no such thing as a 'darkness switch', since darkness only dis-plays (as in 'comes out to play') when controlled light is off. Be like Motel 8 and "leave the light on for you!" Remember, light trumps darkness.
4. As the darkness of fear, doubt and unloveliness are dispersed, we see more clearly His purpose, our given authority in and over the situation, and His power of Grace and Love being released into the situation ...through us. Humans are not designed to see in the dark, be it physical or spiritual darkness. Remember, light prompts sight.
5. The cumulative result is an experience of His perfect peace and assured, eventual VICTORY and increasing LOVE (fruit) as we keep our focus on Him. (Isaiah 26:3)
Here is a practical example of the above transformation process:
1. A seed (a faith promise) is cast into the ground and is smothered as the soil, true to its nature, diligently works to crack open and return (decay) the seed to its basic soil-like components.
2. But true to ITS nature (DNA), as it decays, the seed responds with a series of well-focused punches to overcome this smothering darkness.
3. First, as it decays, it actually changes the chemistry of the immediately surrounding soil to serve the seed's own purposes.
4. Then, within this chemically changed soil, the seed's DNA actually triggers new life from which roots dig downward to seek water and food at deeper depths, and a shoot springs upward, breaking the crusted soil, in search of food from light. Thus, the resulting plant finds two empowering resources to propel its purpose.
5. Eventually, with time and patience, the plant produces leaves, then sap and eventually fruit according to its purpose (DNA code).
Here is the application:
1. YOU ARE THE SEED if you are a born-again and Holy Spirit-filled. God's Spirit and divine nature are your DNA. (2 Peter 1:4)
2. The circumstances of life constitute the soil, the darkness of the world that tries to break down and decay your godly life and character, to manifest your base/fleshly/carnal nature.
3. Your spiritual DNA is purposefully designed to CHANGE (e.g., to salt) the make-up and bring LIGHT to the ungodly darkness surrounding you. As it tries to change and decay you, you effectively change it.
4. This darkness forces you to deepen the roots of your faith, and to push upward in higher prayer, thanksgiving and praise to God, in the midst of (not necessarily for) tests and trials. Imagine that!
5. In cultivating your faith and patience, God Himself produces first the 'leaf', then the 'sap', and eventually the 'fruit' of His DNA inside you -- the increasingly shining image of Christ in an increasingly dark world, manifesting through your demeanor, words and actions.
To God be ALL the glory? No, not quite because He quite benevolently shares glory with you and me - not His personal glory, per se, but glory nevertheless! (Isaiah 42:8, John 17:22, Psalm 8:5, 16:9, 30:12, 57:8, Ephesians 1:18, Hebrews 2:7, etc.). Surprised? There is not only ‘Glory@End-of-My-Story’. Jesus is keenly interested in sharing glory with us in-the-NOW!!! How awesome!
This gives fresh meaning to the expression, "From Glory, to Glory!", as glory is shared from Heaven...with YOU!
