As the world around us focuses on Fall Fashions and extreme makeovers, I've been thinking about the kind of transformation that God might want to do on us -- as women of God -- so that we stand apart from the rest of the world.
In the Bible, we read of some great "makeovers" in which people were transformed by being in the presence of God. When Moses came down from the mountain after having been with God for 40 days, his face shone so brightly with the glory of God the people insisted that he wear a veil. Moses had been with God, and it showed (Exodus 34:29-35).
In 2 Chronicles 15:1-9 we read that large numbers of people came to Israel to be near King Asa "when they saw that the Lord his God was with him." This king had the reputation of one who had been with God. The prophet Azariah even told Asa "The Lord is with you when you are with him." Asa had been with God, and it showed.
Have you thought about that type of Fall Makeover? Being with God until it shows!! We can put on our best Christian face and say all the right words and do all the right things, but we are not truly transformed by Him until we have spent time in His presence. We can attempt to live maturely and grow through our circumstances, but until we've spent time at His feet, the transforming work cannot be done. And for us to shine as Moses did, and have the reputation that Asa had, we must come to know the Lord as they did.
Paul, the Apostle, urged us to live so obediently and therefore so differently from the rest of the world "so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life..." (Philippians 2:14-16).
Here is a Fall Makeover Plan that will help us shine like stars against the backdrop of a darkened world that doesn't know the True Light:
1. Sit At God's Feet: Basking in God's presence, worshiping Him, getting quiet enough to hear Him speak to our hearts transforms us. A woman who spends time with God is a woman who has more wisdom and insight from being schooled in the presence of God. She's a woman who has more depth of character because she's been refined through silent times with God. She's a woman who stands apart from others because of the One she has been with. And she's one who shines with a radiance because of the Pure Light with whom she fellowships. While you're sitting at His feet, soak in His Word, let it come alive in your heart, and ask Him how He wants to transform you through it.
2. See Yourself as He Sees You: The world has its labels for us. Our families sometimes see us at our worst. We even refer to ourselves in less than flattering terms at times. But how does God see you? As a saint, as righteous in His sight because of Jesus, as His beloved, as heir of all that is His. Putting God's labels on us, rather than our own or the world's, can do wonders in helping us walk taller and shine brighter, because it instills in us the knowledge that we are women much loved.
3. Sing -- regardless of your circumstances. Want to be set apart from this world? Then be thankful in all things. It is human nature to complain. It is Christ's nature to rejoice, be thankful, extend graciousness to others and "in everything give thanks" (2 Thess. 5:18). I paraphrase that verse to read "in all things, sing." Keeping a song in your heart will lift your spirits and lift up others in return. Stand out from this world by being a woman who sings in all things.
Can you go through this day focused on the presence of God, remembering how He sees you, and being thankful for everything that comes your way? That is a fresh Fall fashion if you think about it. That's one I want to wear this season. Will you join me?
