Becoming the Person You Really Want to Be

Sometimes I can grow pretty frustrated with myself. I know the kind of person I’d like to be when I grow up and frankly way too often I fall short. And that leaves me a bit discouraged at times.

Yet, I also remember that this transformation business is an inside job. It’s not something I do by grinding out strict personal disciplines as much as trusting God to work the changes.

I was reminded of that when I read this parable Jesus told.

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”*

Frankly, that gives me hope because I realize, like yeast, the new life that came into me permeates me. It works changing me from the inside. Bringing light where there’s darkness.

This parable reminds me of one more thing also. This change takes time. Yeast leavens bread but not instantaneously.

So when I grow discouraged it helps to remember God isn’t finished with me yet. The process continues. And my life keeps getting better and better.

*Matthew 13:3 (NLT)