Transformation Is Painful – Day 2

Today’s reading – 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Transformation Circumstance  – I am in pain

Over the next four days of the fast we will look at four circumstances of transformation almost all of us experience.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t want to know how hard transformation will be because I naturally will avoid the situation.  But sometimes it’s good to know what could happen because it helps us to be realistic about circumstances in life.

 

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed.”  2 Corinthians 4:8

 

How are you being afflicted right now?  What is happening in your life that is causing you your deepest pain?  Be assured this pain you are facing is not because God is angry at you, and sometimes the pain is not even your fault.  The pain comes from being a part of a broken system and a fallen world full of sin.  Even if the physical pain is your fault, things can change and you and ask God for forgiveness. Maybe it is physical pain, maybe it is emotional but remember who has the victory.  Remember that just as God is in the process of redeeming the world, he wants to use you to bring restoration to those around you.  As you walk forward and carry your pain with you, your deepest pain is the source of your greatest impact.  Find people in your life today you can bless and encourage because of your situation.  God must do something deep in you before he does something great through you.  It takes a disciplined person to think differently about their situation.  Adjust your perspective and give God the glory in every way through your situation.  #thinkdifferently

 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”      
Romans 12:2

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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