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 ways 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, Transformation Impossible He has never met a life that was a
“Transformation Impossible.”
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