My latest television show indulgence is HGTV’s Fixer Upper hosted by Chip and Joanna Gaines. In a crowded field of home improvement shows, the Fixer Upper premise is a standout. Chip and Joanna “take the worst house in the best neighborhood and turn it into their client’s dream home.” The end results are always fabulous and the buyers are visibly stunned.

I love the premise and like similar shows, it unfolds in three stages: the house hunt, the renovation, and the reveal. It is hard for me to resist the comparison between this TV show and our lives. Granted, the analogy between Christ’s redemption and Fixer Upper eventually breaks down — but there are some similarities.

“As we place our faith in Christ, the overhaul begins. The walls of our will must come down. The open concept is needed as we walk through life with Him.”

First there’s the “house hunt.” I am continually amazed by the extent that God pursues us. He is familiar with all of our ways but He is mercifully committed to showing us a few of His. (see Psalm 139:1-18)

The human soul is in shambles, worn down by sin and pride; and yet, Jesus purchased us anyway. He sees our potential.

Next is the “renovation.” As we place our faith in Christ, the overhaul begins. The walls of our will must come down. The open concept is needed as we walk through life with Him. Further inspection reveals our thinking needs rewiring and many of our heart’s affections need a complete gut. (see Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:1-3)

On a recent episode of Fixer Upper, they retrieved shiplap planks previously discarded from the property. The planks were incorporated into the homes design as a focal point above the fireplace.

Imagine that – using throwaway pieces of a home to showcase the new design. This was impressive. There are certainly areas of my life that I want to stay in dumpster status. But my Redeemer may have something completely different in mind.

Lastly, is “the reveal.” Using a billboard-sized “before” picture, the hosts block the view of the home’s new exterior. They want the homeowners to recall what the house looked like pre-renovation. Slowly, Chip and Joanna pull the billboard away and ta-da, there it is! The homeowners gasp in amazement and they anticipate seeing more renovation results inside. (see Romans 8:18-19)

Do you remember what life looked life before you encountered God’s love? Perhaps you are waiting to encounter Him still. From a faith perspective, I am a confessed fixer-upper. I am happy I’m purchased by the Savior. My life has endured a few fiery trials and there’s some flood damage too, but I’m amazed when I see what He’s done with the place.

If you could use some fixing up too, then here’s some good news: As we trust God, the best is yet to come. Regardless of the stage of our renovation, it won’t last forever. God’s transformation of our lives is beyond our wildest dreams. The results are miraculous and the final reveal will be permanent. Just knowing I’m under construction brings hope to my heart and joy to my soul.

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” – Romans 8:18-19 NLT