“…until Christ is formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19)
If you’ve ever watched HGTV or been involved in a building project, you know that construction almost always takes longer than expected. The blueprint is drawn, the materials gathered, the foundation laid, and then the real process of formation begins. But there are always surprises—unanticipated problems, delays in materials, weather issues, and so on. Years ago, we bought a home in a new tract before it was built and were assured it would be finished by a certain date. Of course, it wasn’t. Delay followed delay, but eventually we moved in. Building takes time—and the same is true of spiritual transformation.
When you trusted Christ as your Savior, you became part of His forever family, secure in that identity. But that moment was only the beginning of the journey. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:10, we “have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” And again, in Romans 8:29, “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” Spiritual transformation is a lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus, and it simply cannot be rushed.
It is, in many ways, “the slow work of God.” As we grow in intimacy with Him, we gradually come to understand who He is. Formation isn’t instant; it is incremental. Over time, you begin to notice God’s presence and activity in your daily life—often realizing with surprise that He was there all along. You start to experience His nearness and sense the need to surrender areas of your life that you hadn’t recognized as barriers to growth. You discover the joy of slowing down and reflecting on the ways He makes Himself known. “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10).
As you grow in self-awareness and learn to recognize the inner voice of God and the movement of the Holy Spirit, His purposes for you become clearer. This takes time, and you must extend grace to yourself when the journey feels difficult. Often God invites us to wait, to slow down, to simply be with Him. It is His work in us, unfolding on His timetable. But take heart, because He has given us a beautiful promise: “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
Is the slow work of God encouraging or discouraging to you? Think about a time you were surprised by God’s presence. Who helps you discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in your spiritual transformation?
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member