The Bible, God’s holy Word, is not simply a field manual. It has the power to transform our hearts and minds.
This idea is commonly spoken of, but what is actually taking place when we say we are “transformed”? We can go through our physical lives dismissing the truth that the Bible has to offer and continue with the status quo. In doing so, we miss out on a lot of gratitude, peace, and joy when we don’t make God the center of our lives.
Life’s challenges can be hard to overcome, particularly in Military life. But, when we are dealing with our own anger, distress, fear, guilt, etc., God’s Word can see us through those trials. When we intently read the Bible and absorb every word, God speaks to us and the transformation begins to take place.
God’s Word Leads to Transformation
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
The Bible is the living, breathing Word of God. To some new believers (and certainly to non-believers) this is a rather bizarre concept. How do words in a physical book live and breathe? When we read the Scriptures and meditate on the words, it is then that the Holy Spirit speaks deeply to us within our hearts.
We are taught how we can rely on God through the strength and wisdom He provides to see us through otherwise impossible situations when we may see no other way out. The world would tell us that we can handle anything life puts in our path and that we should take care of ourselves. The Military teaches its Warriors to be ready and resilient. But as His children, God desires to help us. And just as God speaks to us through His Word we in turn are able to speak to Him through prayer.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Gratitude That Comes Through a Relationship With Jesus
When we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our perspective on life events can change. Feelings of anger or resentment we may have felt in past circumstances may be transformed into feelings of forgiveness and understanding. Our hearts become tender and our attitudes become better aligned with those of Jesus, who exhibited unconditional love.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 2:12 (ESV)
Instead of grumbling about things that have happened to us or are happening to us now, we find ourselves being grateful for all that we are blessed with instead. We become a testimony of what God has done for us through the transformation of our hearts and minds.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV)
Powerful Testimonies of Biblical Transformation and Gratitude
The God Understands program through ASM offers great examples of how God can transform our lives even through some of the hardest circumstances. It contains video testimonials of Veterans who have faced anger, guilt, fear, sadness, grief, and other topics of study that Military members often face.
The Scriptures truly transform the broken heart, the guilty mind, and infinitely more. And gratitude abounds when God draws us out of a tough situation.
To get started on a transformational journey, check out the Military Bible Challenge and seek out a personal relationship with Jesus Christ today.
Looking Forward with Hope
When we face trials and suffering in our lives we find hope and encouragement in the Bible. Reading its words and internalizing them brings us hope and peace when we otherwise would feel lost in despair. It is often in the hardest seasons that we humble ourselves before God and seek His counsel. We cry out and He hears us. And we are transformed.
“Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:6-7 (ESV)
