Transformation by Keona Tann

By Keona Tann

A while ago I found some cut up rock melon in my fridge that was growing mould. At first I was disappointed as I couldn't eat it and then I was repulsed as it was quite gross! But as I looked closer I realized that the mould growing out of it was quite unusual and dare I even say pretty to look at. The mould had interesting characters with the tiny black tips on the end of the white spurs reminding me of a dandelion. As I pondered this astonishing thought I realized that our transformation is like that. It is yucky and gross, even painful at times, but if we look closer we can find it to be a beautiful thing!

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we are promised that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. That our old life is gone and a new life has begun! This is again stated in Galatians 6:15. Galatians 2:20 also declares that our old self has been crucified with Christ. It declares that it is no longer I who lives but Christ lives in me!

But I know that sometimes the transformation we receive can be instantaneous and dramatic, but other times it is a process. A daily decision is required to 'put on the new things' of God and no longer the old. The putting on of the new things can be difficult and is often faced with much opposition. But hold onto the promise that YOU are a new creation and you've been transformed by God to never be the same again!

1 John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

Ephesians 4:24 urges us to put on our new nature. It reminds us that we are created to be like God who is truly righteous and holy.

In Romans 12:2 we are warned to not copy the behaviour and customs of this world. For God transforms us into new people, by changing the way we think. We can know God’s will for us, His good, pleasing and perfect plan for our life!

How awesome is James 1:18 which declares we have been given God’s true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possessions.

We can have a clean heart and a loyal spirit within - Psalms 51:10

Psalm 103 declares that God has removed our sins away from as - as far as the east is from the west. So imagine that dandelion and that those little seeds are your sins, imagine God blowing them away and so far away that you can never see them again! They are blown so far away they can never bring you shame again! Your sins are gone! So place your new image of Gods likeness upon yourself. 

Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us to be strong in the Lord. To have the ability to stay strong and fight the enemy's schemes we are to wear the Armor of God!

So when you first awake thank God for the brand new day and then place on each piece of armour:

Helmet of salvation - thank the Lord for the gift you have received!

Breastplate of righteousness - because of Jesus we can be right with God.

Belt of truth - thank the Lord for His perfect truth in your life.

Shoes of peace - which come from the Good News and enables you to be fully prepared.

Shield of faith - praise the Lord that you can quench every fiery arrow from the enemy.

Sword of the spirit - thank God for his living word!

With your armour on pray unceasingly in all situations.

Also hold onto 1 Corinthians 15:58 which declares that you can be strong and immovable. That as you work enthusiastically for the Lord, you can know that it is not in vain! For nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

“The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalms 19:7-9, 14 (NLT)

So you are transformed into a mighty warrior for the Lord! Declare it over yourself today! Be transformed into Jesus’ likeness which promises you that you will never be the same again!

Many blessings!

Keona Tann has lived most of her life in the beautiful Australian state - Tasmania. She has been married to her college sweetheart for over 20 years. Keona and her husband consider themselves extremely blessed to be raising 2 wonderful teenagers. They have also been long time child sponsors with Compassion. Keona's working life has seen her develop over 15 years of customer service experience. Health issues have plagued her for 28 years and over the past 2 years have been severely debilitating. Seeking direction from God her passion for writing was recently reignited. Writing the following mission statement: "I desire to impact the world through the words I share. I long to enrich, empower and encourage others whilst delivering my stories with empathy and understanding." she hopes to launch her new career soon.