”Today you are not that sparkling”, a nurse said to me at a farewell interview at a local training center. She had during my treatment observed how the grace of Christ smilingly affected my poor life.
“Well, I rather try to be a matter-of-fact man now”, was my excuse. After all we were going to talk seriously about my condition, but she preferred me as “sparkling” more than anything else. I´ve thought about it afterwards and couldn´t help feeling a little ashamed.
I learned something I hope. A godly woman once told me that it was the radiant faces of the newly saved that spoke to her and gave her a longing to be like them. That happened during a gracious visitation of awakening on the country side. That dear woman came to mean a lot to me.
During the present election debates about topics like climate, health, salary raise to our brave nurses, the threatening energy crisis, etc., I also heard the word “transformation” meaning we should work for a transformed better world. But nothing will really happen.
The real transformation is about us, not the world. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed …” (Rom. 12:2). It´s in the present tense (“præsens”) i.e. it´s meant to happen day by day.
We have our fickle moods, don´t we? Some of us are fighting with sneaking despondency. I do, but the Holy Spirit is slowly teaching me to take it to Christ, claim Him as the powerful answer right now, and what happens? We´ll soon experience that “those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” (Ps. 34:5).
The nurse in question challenged me. I´m thankful for that “revival sermon” at her office. By God´s grace I expect it to be implemented by His indwelling Spirit under the cleansing the blood of Christ. Oct. 28-22, - jn
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