Have you ever wondered how God works in our lives to shape us into who we are meant to be? It's a process that involves reforming, conforming and transforming us as we submit to God’s will. These steps may be challenging and uncomfortable, but they lead to profound spiritual growth and a closer relationship with God. Let's explore 3 ways God works in us.

1. Reform: Shaped by the Potter’s Hands

Jeremiah 18:5-6

“Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.”

God instructed Jeremiah to go to a potter's house and watch him work at the wheel. This was an illustration for the nation of Israel being like clay in the hands of God.

I believe this applies to us today. We are being molded and shaped by God into who we were created to be.

Our responsibility is simply to submit to the tender hands of our Father even when it is uncomfortable. Often the process of being formed and reformed into who we were made to be is painful.

For example, real clay is put into a kiln (an extremely hot oven) to dry the clay so it will maintain its permanent shape.

We are also forged in fire and go through many trials that refine our faith in order to mold us into God's image.

2. Conform: Embracing Christ’s Image

Romans 8:28-29

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”

Often only an excerpt of the first verse is quoted. People use it to console those who are going through a hard time with the statement, "God works all things for good." While this is true in a sense, it is important to consider the context to get the fullness of what the Lord is trying to communicate.

I've recently been thinking about how interesting it is that as believers, we are called to be conformed into Christ's image rather than just to simply "be better people".

God uses the trials we face for a purpose: conforming us into His image.

Life is challenging and definitely not easy. However, our circumstances can be leveraged as opportunities to refine our character and make us look more like Jesus.

Jesus is our model. He is the firstborn among many brothers and sisters (us who believe). As His disciples, we are to follow Him.

3. Transform: Reflecting God’s Glory

2 Corinthians 3:18

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

As we change, we are transformed into God's image as we behold the glory of the Lord. We become like Him when we see Him as He is. I believe clarity is the key. When we have a clear understanding in our hearts, not just our minds, of who Jesus is, we will be transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory.

We see Him through the eyes of our hearts as He really is, not as who we'd like Him to be or who the world says He is. The revelation of His glory causes us to marvel and fall in love with Him more.

God's work in us is a beautiful journey of reforming, conforming and transforming. Each step, though often challenging, brings us closer to His image and purpose for our lives. By submitting to His will and embracing the processes He takes us through, we can experience profound spiritual growth and a deeper connection with our Creator. Remember, God is continually at work in you, molding and shaping you into the person He has destined you to be!

Questions to ponder:

Which process is God using right now in your life to mold you into His image?
Which illustration resonates with you the most: reform, conform or transform?
What situations has God used to reform, conform and transform you and what did you learn?

3 Ways God Works In Us: Reform, Conform, Transform