The Power of Change Embracing Transformation in Our Lives

The Power of Change: Embracing Transformation in Our Lives 

Change is something that we all experience. It can be exciting, but it can also be stressful. Change can occur by force or by will, and learning to view ourselves as "changed" can be difficult. This is one thing I love about scripture; 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Even so, living in that "newness" can feel foreign and uncomfortable. 

What does being new mean? How are we transformed? How do we embrace this? 

I believe the answers to these questions are different for each person. For me, I am realizing that being new simply means that I am new. On my journey of faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, I have learned to age myself according to my rebirth. I came to the knowledge of Jesus in 2008—17 years ago. The phrase "I am 17 years old" has helped me set realistic expectations for my own development and growth. 

We often read Bible stories or watch testimonies where someone’s transformation seems expedient and instant. Somehow, they changed and embraced a new lifestyle overnight. That is not my story, nor is it the story of many others. Instead, I have accepted by faith that I am a work in progress. 

Evidence of Transformation 

How is transformation evident in my life? It began with a foundational acceptance of the grace and love of Christ. Looking at small changes in my heart, thoughts, questions, and reactions encourages me and propels me forward. 

A pivotal moment of transformation occurred when I realized I was isolating myself. I was extremely critical and controlling of those around me. I began a journey to focus on my own needs and changes—learning to become the person I actually am, instead of the person I thought I should be. I learned to step back and humble myself, asking God what He thought of things like therapy, DBT, medication, and church. 

I struggled deeply with trusting others and paranoid thinking, and I was challenged to question every thought and ideology I had developed. This process allowed me to be open and vulnerable. It allowed me to seek help from professionals and develop healthy relationships with family and friends. 

Grounding Affirmations in Truth 

Positive affirmations of truth and gratitude helped me begin to embrace these changes. If you have experienced trauma or struggled with mental illness, you know that embracing "good" change can be terrifying. You find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop, expecting something horrible to happen, or fearing you will mess up and destroy everything. 

When we break down the word affirmation, we realize the power it holds. According to Webster’s Dictionary, affirm means: 

• To validate or confirm. 

• To assert something (such as a judgment or decree) as valid or confirmed. 

• To uphold a judgment or decree of a lower court. 

I found that repeating empty affirmations or reciting meaningless moments of gratitude didn’t give me a solid foundation. Through this journey, I discovered that affirmations grounded in truth naturally evoke gratitude. For example, look at Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." 

From that truth, I can affirm: 

• I am not condemned. 

• I walk by the Spirit. 

• I am in Christ. 

• I am grateful for all Christ has done for me. 

• I am thankful that I walk freely in the Spirit. 

• I am forgiven and set free. 

• I reject any voice that condemns me. 

• I am not my past. 

• I am new; the past is gone. 

Utilizing scripture to create affirmations gives you an unwavering foundation of truth that isn’t based on your own design. This is vital if you struggle with confusion, paranoia, thought distortions, or rejection—moments where your emotions try to control your reality. 

The Takeaway 

I encourage you to believe, have faith, and walk out your identity as a new creation. Embrace the changes the Holy Spirit brings you through as opportunities for transformation. Trust the Creator and His unique design for your life. If change feels hard—or if you are like me and find yourself gravitating toward chaos because it feels "comfortable"—take a breath and embrace the new you. 

The old is gone, and the new is here! Praise God. 

Grammar and Punctuation corrected by AI. Blog posts, thoughts, and ideas are original to author Amber Griffin.