It’s Morphin’ Time!

“Oh my dear children! I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully [formed] in your lives.”

- St. Paul, Galatians 4:19

“I can’t wait to wake up!”

- A three-year-old boy on Christmas Eve

When my son,Tyler, was around six years old he was captivated by a group of teenage superheroes called The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Their appeal was their ability to access a power beyond themselves and to “morph” or transform from ordinary teenagers into martial arts heroes. When a crisis hit the world stage, they would yell, “It’s Morphin’ Time!”, and ultimately, as transformed Superheroes, defeat the enemy and save the World.

For the last four weeks, Pastor Jared has been talking about the capacities the Spirit of God brings into our lives that we were not born with, such as love, joy, peace…and this week…patience. I don’t know when we have needed patience more. Ask yourself: what are you waiting for today?

…Maybe you’re waiting for a new baby to be born

…Maybe you’re waiting for Mr/Ms Right to show up…or for Mr/Ms Wrong to go away

…Maybe you’re waiting for your business to open up

…Maybe, like all of us, you’re waiting for this pandemic to be over and for things to get back to “Normal”

…Maybe you’re troubled and waiting for that doctor’s report or those test results

…Or maybe you’re just waiting for your ship to come in.

Here’s the rub: patience is not something that comes natural to us. It’s not something we were born with. Just watch a one year old for a few minutes and you will see “impatience” up close and personal. In Galatians 4:19, the Apostle Paul is having a frustrating time waiting for Christ to be “fully formed” in God’s people. This word “formed” is the Greek word, “morphos”, which means transformed from one state of being to a new one.

So if the Holy Spirit has deposited the seed of patience in the soil of our character, how can we develop it? Or how can I morph from an impatient person into a patient person in light of what I’m up against? The answer is: by accessing the transforming power of hope in our relationship with Jesus!

In Philippians 1:6, Paul says that God is determined to finish what He started in you. As an old country preacher said, “When you’re down to nothin’, God is up to something!”  Believe that God is up to something good right where you are right now and that hope will increase your staying power! And it will improve your outlook as well!

So, as you step into whatever troubled waters are in your day, why not yell, “It’s Morphin’ Time!”…And let God’s hope transform you from impatience to patience.

Pastor Harry

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