God's Transformations for Our Lives

About The Devotions
Over the course of time I began using the verses each day to begin my daily journal entry. I recorded my own interpretation of the verse and its meaning in today’s circumstances. These became my source for this book. During these particular devotions I had a lot on my mind. I had been laid off from my job; my Father-in-law had not one, but two, brain surgeries to remove cancerous tumors; we had gone to 12 funerals in 18 months; I had taken over medical power of attorney for my Mother and often felt overwhelmed with the magnitude of making decisions for another person’s health; I lost my precious companion-dog of 16 years; a close friend was diagnosed with brain cancer; relatives and friends also lost their jobs; a dear friend from church lost his leg to a mysterious disease; the world economy “collapsed”. There never seemed to be a lack of things to pray about. Each day I worked at not only acknowledging God’s power and asking for his blessings on myself and those I prayed for, but I also worked on listening for His response. Even more challenging, was the effort I began to put into acting on His word: meaning, trusting God in all situations.
In this book you’ll find 40 devotions. Not because that is all I have, rather, because of the significance of the number 40 in the Bible – especially as it relates to my own journey I describe above. Often I caught myself asking “Why?” Why are these individuals going through these situations? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why can’t I figure out my purpose in life? Why, why, why? Then, I would study God’s word. Eventually, I realized trials and tribulations have always been a part of life here on earth. Even Jesus wasn’t immune. It’s part of our journey, our experience. Struggles and hardships challenge us to stop and ask God for help and guidance. Through these times we grow in our faith when we trust God is with us and enabling us to persevere and overcome. I came to realize the number 40 represents a time of major change and transformation. And, in every instance God is the rock and salvation.
Researching the significance of the number 40 in the Bible uncovered many references to situations where God’s people faced adversity. At times it seemed God had abandoned those being tested. Imagine the Israelites: 40 years wandering in the wilderness feeling abandoned by God! (Numbers 14:33; Deuteronomy 1:1-3) Yet, God was there providing for them, keeping them safe:
“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years; to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.” Deuteronomy 8: 1-5
The Third Transformation: Jesus Tested for 40 Days in the Desert (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13)

The account of Jesus’s 40 days in the wilderness found detailed both in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 is an extremely compelling example of a transformation experience. It exhibits how temptations and trials have always been a part of this life here on earth. Even Jesus struggled with temptation. It’s interesting how Jesus was tested. Satan tested typical human desires: satisfaction of physical needs and desires to ‘have it all’, misuse of our God-given strengths and the need for proof God is in control. Things we face ourselves in our everyday life.
Devotions
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6
For years I wondered how to discern when something I thought was the right thing was from God. I even asked my pastor how I would know God was sending me down a path as opposed to my following my own desires. It took a while for me to realize God’s will is not a burden. When I am doing God’s will I feel joy in what I am doing; I have the tools and resources I need; I feel the inner peace. When doing God’s Will, it won’t feel like I’m swimming upstream.
When I’m doing what God intended me to do, it gives me energy; when I’m not, it takes energy.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
Have you ever asked yourself: “Why can’t I just magically pull myself out of feeling bad?” Or, “Why can’t I tell myself to think on the bright side and then do it?” The key word in these questions is I. If we are convinced it is our responsibility, alone, to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and make a situation better, then it isn’t a surprise we feel depressed at times. It’s more than simply having a positive attitude or avoiding conflict. During dark moments or situations we need to stop and realize God is in control. That understanding calms us, takes away the personal burden. Knowing God’s peace protects our hearts, minds and bodies allows us to feel the inner joy, regardless of the outer predicaments. His peace transcends all.

The Fourth Transformation: Jesus’s 40 Days between Resurrection and Ascension (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1:3)

What a powerful transformation the disciples experienced during this 40 day period. Their savior and king, Jesus Christ, had died on the cross and was buried. They were grief stricken. They were fearful for their lives. Most likely they were stunned and feeling abandoned.

Devotions
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30
Every burden we face is as though we have been given a new yoke to bear. It feels different and awkward. It may even feel too burdensome at the time. But, Jesus puts it on us knowing what we can bear and when we’re ready. Jesus doesn’t simply hand it over or place it on us and send us on our way. He walks beside us and gently guides us. He sends people and resources, opportunities and experiences, all to enable us to bear the yoke, increase our strength and realize the joy even a perceived burden brings into our lives.
With all the sadness and trials in people’s lives, knowing God is in control, orchestrating everything and Jesus is walking with us is extremely comforting.

This is my prayer: that your love abounds in knowledge and insight so you may discern what is best. Philippians 1:9
One of the most difficult things for a Christian is weeding out what thoughts and actions are part of God’s plan for us and which ones are distractions of this world. Paul writes a prayer in Philippians directed specifically at that topic. His prayer is that our love for Christ and thirst for a closer relationship with him will continue to bring us knowledge of, and insight into, exactly what God’s purpose is for us. He prays for our ability to wade through the day-to-day distractions and truly determine (discern) what is the right choice or path to take. At the end of the day, there are no wrong choices, only learning experiences to prepare us for our overall journey.