met·a·mor·pho·sis:

(in an insect or amphibian) the process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means.

Metamorphosis in Greek meaning ” an outer transformation due to an out working of the inner nature “.

As followers of Christ we are to be “transformed” and “morphed” into new creations, becoming more Christlike as we grow in our faith walk. Increasing in the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This is not attainable on our own will and determination, nor is it likely to come through a trial-less life.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testimony of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

Did you catch that: ” …. that you my be MATURE and COMPLETE, not LACKING ANYTHING.” I don’t know about you, but I want to be mature, complete and not lacking anything! Guess how I can get there, through trials of many kinds which ultimately brings a testimony of my faith and it is through our testimonies that people can see Jesus working in and through us, that is POWERFUL, my friend! Dig a bit deeper into the scriptures regarding trials….

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:5-7

Trials are not a sign of God’s disapproval, but proof that He loves us and wants to take us deeper, to be “transformed” . The refiners fire is an interesting analogy, a silver or goldsmith uses intense heat to transform raw metal into the valuable commodity of precious metal. The heat is so intense that the smith must wear special eye protection so that he doesn’t look away, but keeps a close, protective eye on the metal so that he knows exactly when to remove it from the intense flame. Too short or long a time will not give the desired results, he looks to see his reflection in the refined metal and at that moment he removes it from the flame. Our Heavenly Father is looking for His reflection in us, He watches and protects us as we go through trials, knowing exactly when to remove us from the flame, praise and glory be to God for His perfect will and plan for our lives!

“If you learn to trust Me— really trust Me— with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from my Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you.” Sarah Young from Jesus Calling

When a caterpillar morphs into a butterfly, it goes from gorging on leaves to sucking the sweet nectar from beautiful flowers… Are you willing to go through the difficult things for real transforming change? The kind of change that reflects Christ, creates a testimony and draws others to Him … The worst trials bring Love.  Joy.  us to the deepest walk with the Lord, that my friend is where the sweet nectar is!

Abundant Blessings,
Heidi Wilt