Transformation Impossible

A television show my husband and I enjoy watching together is the Food Network’s “Restaurant Impossible.” In the show, restaurant owners who have failing restaurants are given a second chance. Chef and restaurateur, Robert Irvine and his team come in with two days and $10,000 to turn a failure into a success. It’s quite interesting to watch as these owners are made aware of the problems and solutions to running a successful restaurant.  During this same time the dining areas are being remodeled in very creative ways.

My favorite part of the show is the “Reveal.” This occurs near the end of the second day. The owners have been shown what is lacking in their food quality, service and management styles. They have been trained in new way of doing things. Now they are ready to see all the work that has transformed dining areas of their restaurant. They are instructed to close their eyes and are led into the dining room. It is exciting to see the expressions on their faces when they open their eyes. In most all instances, the amazement is unmistakable. There are so many places to look at and so many changes to see.

I’ve noticed some similarities in all the dining room transformations. The goal is always to be clean and fresh. Clutter is replaced with tasteful décor, and the old is updated to a more modern take, without losing the original theme. Character is important to the finished product. You will never find a blah, nondescript dining room revealed. The items used to create this new look are often things you wouldn’t expect. The creativity of the designer and skills of the builder turn common items into beauty as they stay within their budget.

Our lives can often be like these failing restaurants. We come to a point when we realize we cannot make it any longer on our own. It’s time we take an honest look through someone else’s eyes at our lives. When we ask for help and admit our need, God comes in and begins a new work. “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP)  The work of becoming new belongs to God.  “And I will give them one heart [a new heart] and I will put a new spirit within them; and I will take the stony [unnaturally hardened] heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh [sensitive and responsive to the touch of their God],” (Ezekiel 11:19 AMP)  Our very nature is changed by salvation.  

As time goes on and our remodel occurs, we become unrecognizable from our old selves.  “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:9 AMP) We are not bound to the things of our past. God will come in with his own fresh eye and make something beautiful out of our lives. He does not want to obliterate who we are. He created us in His image. But with His artistic finger, He will design a perfect masterpiece of our lives.   ^“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLV)  We have been created to be both beautiful and useful. 

During the reveal on Restaurant Impossible, it is often difficult for the owners to know where to look. So many new and interesting alterations have occurred. One seems to outdo another. This can be the same in our lives. Although the work of God is often done in silence, a day comes when we look back and wonder of just how much we have changed. We become aware of one change, only then to find another and another. God has taken what we have brought to Him and transformed it into something of character, beauty and purpose. We may not even recognize ourselves as the same person we once were.  Others will also see and appreciate the changes.  Those who only see the new ‘us,’  have a hard time picturing the old. 

Our life transformations take place over time and through the circumstances of our lives. Little by little we are changed. “And all of us… are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another…” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP)  When Jesus Christ enters a life, He does not have a limited time or budget. He comes with eternity and unlimited resources (and patience) to perfect the work he has begun in us. And he has given us this precious promise.  “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP) 

So take a look at your life today. If you’ve never called out to Jesus Christ, call now and let your transformation begin. If you already know Jesus take time to look at the changes he has already brought into your life. See the fresh and unique ways he is crafting you into a masterpiece.  You can serve others the Bread of Life. And know beyond a shadow of a doubt, he has never met a life that was a “Transformation Impossible.”