Step Four – The Start of Transformation 

When we remain with Jesus long enough, His character
quietly starts to shape our own. Those who stay in Jesus do
not force fruit—the Vine produces it. The Apostle Paul, a man
completely changed by God's mercies, testified,
“And we all… are being transformed into his image with everincreasing
glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

The words “ever-increasing” tell us that this is a process that occurs over time
and not overnight. Transformation rarely happens in a hurry; it happens by
remaining with Jesus.

This is where many Christ followers stumble on their journey. They become
dissatisfied with the pace of their progress or disheartened by setbacks that
make them feel like they have to start all over again. Hope fades.

Fortunately, our hope isn't based on our performance but on the faithfulness
of Jesus. When we stumble, Jesus doesn't withdraw—He gently takes our
hand and guides us forward. The revelation of Jesus strengthens hope.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will
carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

If we’re honest, we know how far we are from our desired destination in
Christ. Our future, our eternal forever rests upon Jesus, the faithful one. Paul
the Apostle, once again, provides guidance on how to proceed in the midst of
our sins, failures, and imperfections.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold
of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching
forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of
the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

The spiritual life moves forward through quiet perseverance in the constancy
of Jesus’s love. As Eugene Peterson wrote, “The Christian life is a long
obedience in the same direction.”

Note: Praying The One Prayer with heartfelt intention every day will help
you to daily forgive yourself and grow in confidence in the love of God.