How is your life different because of Jesus? You don’t have to be “done” to celebrate your transformation!

You didn’t come to Jesus because everything was so good you just had to find someone to thank. Things in your heart and life were not OK. And the Holy Spirit somehow used that to draw you to Jesus. In some way you have been transformed.

Perhaps as a child growing up in a Christian home your heart was captured by a sense that you could never be good enough on your own, and you desperately needed Jesus. You said Yes to Him and you’ve walked with Him ever since, even as He has continued His good work to grow you into His likeness.

Or perhaps you got seriously messed along the way. Whether or not you knew Jesus as a child, your life deteriorated into something horrible from stuff you did and stuff that happened to you.. A hopelessly broken marriage. Serious mental illness. Financial loss. The death of a loved one. Sexual addiction. Substance abuse. Betrayal. Spiritual/religious abuse. But today, while your life is still affected by those traumas, you are not where you would be without Jesus.

Sometimes we get the mistaken idea, even if unspoken, that saying Yes to Jesus should quickly make everything OK. But that’s not the substance of what Scripture says. And it’s not the witness of the thousands, millions, of those who have followed Jesus over the past 2000+ years.

Yes, the Holy Spirit still has work to do in you. But how encouraging and helpful it is to regularly pause and celebrate your transformation even in part, to remember what He has already done in you.

“This is My Story”

There’s an old gospel song that goes, “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.”

What is your story?

John 9 tells how Jesus healed a man who had been born blind. The religious authorities couldn’t tolerate the undeniable miracle, and hauled the man before their council trying to find a hole in his story. While he had no answer for their theological questions, the man finally replied, “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25)

Where were you blind? Where do you now see?

It can be easy to forget that when you’re in the middle of a struggle. But think back; where were you before Jesus? Where would you be without Him? There may be a million things you wish were better right now, that the Holy Spirit is working in you about. But what is different because you are following Jesus?

I know where I would be; I would be dead. I’m left with a deep sense of being rescued by Jesus. I would never have come out of my mental/emotional torment years ago except through Jesus. And I would still be mired in the pain of grief after my husband’s death but for Him; “We grieve, but not as those who don’t have hope.” I am both literally and figuratively alive today because of Jesus.

So again, what is your story? Take a moment to think of where you would be without Jesus, and where you are now.

“This is My Song”

Even if you are still in the middle of a struggle, a broken relationship, mental/emotional trouble, etc., pause for a bit to sing. To celebrate what Jesus has done in you.

Not long ago I spoke with a woman whose brother does not know Jesus. Although this woman is facing some deep personal and relational challenges, she said “I feel sorry for my brother. He doesn’t have Jesus to walk with him through his problems.”

You may have a significant road of transformation yet ahead. But where have you experienced some of God’s transforming power in your life? That’s truly worth celebrating.

Find a way to sing. Perhaps that’s literally singing, joining in some praise songs, writing your own song, celebrating what Jesus has and is doing for you.

Perhaps that’s sharing your story with someone who is a few steps behind you in their journey.

And perhaps you celebrate your transformation by supporting those who are helping others like you find the transformation that Jesus offers, so they too can live Fully Alive.

Because Everyone Needs Transformation

What gets me up every morning is gratitude for what Jesus has done for me, and finding ways to help others experience the same kind of transformation.

Here at Dr Carol Ministries we are bringing help to people in areas they are struggling to find help for in church, such as sexual brokenness, fractured relationships, mental/emotional pain, or toxic religion.

Through supporting Dr Carol Ministries you can be part of helping others experience transformation so that they too will have a story to tell and a song to sing.

I invite you to join our insider group of Friends of Dr Carol Ministries. You’ll receive a monthly message with a behind-the-scenes look at this ministry, a unique message from Dr Carol, and an opportunity to support how God is using this ministry to transform lives.

If God is so directing you, you can give now to financially support Dr Carol Ministries.

And for today and every day, tell your story! Sing your song! And keep saying Yes to the transforming power of Jesus in your own life and that of others.

Your Turn: What is different in your life because of Jesus? I’d love to hear a bit of your story. Leave a comment below, or send me a confidential message here.

Tweetables: why not share this post?

• Where would you be without Jesus? Pause to celebrate your transformation even when you’re not completely “done.” You have a story to tell. You have a song to sing!   Tweet that.