I eat out occasionally.  But my friend, Rahama, is a true restaurant goer. When we meet for lunch, I often turn to her expertise on what to order. She kindly suggests one of her favorites from the menu.

However, I always end up ordering the same thing – some combination of chicken, bacon and spinach.  Keep trying Rahama.  Maybe one day you’ll change my mind.

There’s a good reason my friend runs into the same brick wall of my appetite. When I find something I like, I stick with it.  And yet, this reasoning can become problematic from a spiritual perspective. Having a mental brick wall can hurt me when God wants to change my mind.

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 NLT

When the Almighty wants to upgrade our thinking, He doesn’t flip a switch in our free will.  In my experience, He allows me to come under pressure. But coming under pressure serves a purpose when I know I’m under His grace.The situation becomes my cue; it’s time for transformation.

But if I resist grace, I’m cued in to a different reality. The situation says, “It’s time to worry. It’s time to give up; or it’s time to hold a grudge.”

Worrying, quitting and begrudging are pretty common in the world.  But Romans 12:2 tells believers not to copy worldly behavior.  However, like my usual lunch selection, if we aren’t open to godly transformation, worldly behavior can become our usual response.

But when God wants to change my mind, He points me to Christ on the Cross. As I draw near to Him, God’s invincible love becomes irresistible. I recognize His power is unmatched and His promises are unfailing. As I turn to His Expertise, I begin to learn His will for my life.

Are you feeling under pressure?  Is the situation leading to struggle or causing transformation? Do old patterns of thinking need a redeemed replacement?

Transformation is a process.  But it doesn’t happen by accident.  We have to “let God” transform us by changing the way we think. The “letting” happens for me when I realize there is no greater love, no sounder truth or no higher purpose than His. As I trust Him, I know it’s time to FLY – to fear not, lean hard and yield completely.

Then I worship instead of worry.

I persevere instead of giving up.

I am content instead of being bitter.

I forgive offenses instead of holding grudges.

Ultimately, godly transformation is to make us more like Christ.  is the best way to keep hope in the heart and joy to the soul.

Click here for more information on this series and the “It’s Time to FLY” gallery!

The winner of the "let your faith be bigger than your fear bracelet" 
is "OrdinarilyExtraordinary Mom" (her blogger name):-). Congratulations!