Identifying Spiritual Transformation

Transformation refers to a “thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, nature, or character”.

When Fostering Healthy Communities was established, we knew it was supposed to be designed differently. We are still asking Him questions and listening as we move forward. We were NOT to function like anything else. We are 100% donation, so all that we receive, we 100% pour into the environment of hope, maturation, healing, growth and transformation. We are not a church!

Each area of support of service we offer was to be unalike, but they were to connect to the next (see Ephesians 4’s purpose), so the love generated would be administered properly, with care and attentively. GOD wants to be honored in this effort. That means, anticipation and spiritual confidence must be the overall goal.

During the pursuit of change, a transformation will be the outcome.

Bridges to the Community (“Bridges”) is the entity by which the most impact would be realized. 

The people involved would invest in not only him/her SELF, but be a willing participant in seeking the LORD for what He is saying and has said about a specific situation.

Don’t mistake being changed and transformed as being the same.

Being changed usually implies any alteration, big or small. Many people will see these changes as temporary or superficial. However, if you and I are to experience a transformation, we must undergo some profound and essential modifications.

Obeying and seeking GOD (in His word) will give us that Way forward to better understand the hope we seek.

The things we the seeker need to understand is, when the Father transforms us, it is often permanent, dramatic and certainly complete. He does not choose if we remain clean. We do.

Bridges offers a consistent and trust-filled environment. We know that GOD declared, “He WOULD be found by us, if we searched for Him with ALL of our hearts.” Sadly, many people don’t commit to that search and transformation, we just sit and hope it comes “to” us.

…NOT going to happen in that manner.

EXAMPLE: A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, is much the same as someone undergoing a life-changing experience, when the Creator is making the corrections.

In Scripture, seeing a situation, a nation or person undergoing a metamorphosis is most commonly happening when a decisive act of reversal or transformation has taken place. That transformation can be physical, spiritual, or situational.

The word haphak is a vivid term that lets us know what happens when the Spirit of the Lord is at work. He turns us around, He overturns our situation and when we are submitted, our thinking can be converted into being pure and GOD-honoring, rather than the sourpuss and negative declarations of doubt.

Don’t misunderstand me. We all are guilty of “missing it”. However, that is less likely, when we are IN the Scriptures ourselves and not repeating what someone else has said.  Wild doctrines and traditional sayings have destroyed many people.

The Bridges environment requires everyone to research and dig into the Bible and return for a group discussion for clarity and edification.  GOD has shown us that He works in that manner.

What are you hoping for? What are you wanting GOD to do with your heart? …your life?

When GOD transforms something, is can be described as an intervention, or the like. It can be a sudden act of His turning calamity into blessing, or a judgment into the renewal you hoped for.

A good example in Scripture will be in 1 Samuel 10:9, when GOD gives Saul “another heart”.  The verse carries the powerful message about how a person’s life, heart and direction can be changed by GOD. 

It stands to reason being transformed isn’t just a change, it’s a deeply internal turning.

I will give you a comparison of two words with similar action, but they are not the same.

Haphak refers to a dramatic change. It can be positive or negative, and focuses on the act of transformation, which usually consists of an alteration in a condition, or direction. Consider how mercy, pity and kindness would play into this one. All three of those gather together into one word, called grace.

Teshuvah denotes a voluntary return to GOD, His Ways and Authority. A change of direction is also chosen. The root of teshuvah is (shuv), meaning “to return.” It’s a moral and spiritual turning, often involving remorse, confession, and renewal. It is always a personal choice.

You’ve noticed that both those words involve turning, haphak is transformation from the outside, and teshuvah is transformation from within.

I recall the moment that I realized I was not the same person I was, when I told Yeshua (Jesus), “Yes, I will serve You.” I have not been the same. My life has been very different since 1990. I’ve been transformed!

If you have recognized that you have changed and your life has undergone a transformation, it may feel like the following:

• A burning away of old identities or beliefs.

• A sense of dying and being reborn—sometimes painful, often liberating.

• Moments of awe, gratitude, and deep connection.

• Periods of solitude or withdrawal, followed by renewed engagement with life.

Considering spiritual transformation isn’t a destination, it’s a continual unfolding. It can be sparked by crisis, love, loss, or even boredom.

What about you? Would you like for the Spirit of the Lord to transform YOU?

*Start with Surrender. Transformations often begins when you and I stop trying to control everything and say, “GOD, I’m ready. Lead me.” It’s not weakness—it’s trust. Surrender opens the door for Him to enter.

*Listen in Silence. GOD may shout, but I have never heard Him do that to me. I have done some really dumb and sinful stuff. I deserved everything He has used and allowed me to encounter, to get my attention and every punishment He’s issued.

He loves me, because He has corrected me time and time again.

His Voice is often found in stillness, solitude, and quiet reflection. Try spending time each day in silence—no agenda, just presence. Ask, “What do You want me to see today?” …and listen.

*Return to Sacred Texts. The Bible is FILLED with the wisdom and clarity you’re seeking. You might start with passages about renewal, calling, or identity—like Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

*Examine Your Heart and ask yourself these for starters…

• What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?

• Where am I resisting love, truth, or forgiveness?

• What am I afraid to let go of?

 GOD often begins transformation by gently revealing what needs healing.

 *Take One Step. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. He will move you as rapidly as He wills and you consent. Maybe GOD is inviting you to forgive someone, speak His Truth, serve quietly, or simply rest. Transformation is often a series of small, faithful steps.

*Watch for Confirmation and “See the Salvation of the LORD”. GOD speaks through people and Scripture. If He chooses, He will opt to use anything He desires. Stay alert. When something resonates deeply or keeps showing up, it might be a nudge from above.

If you’re open to it, “Bridges to the Community” can assist to help with the journey you want to take. Reach out to us, we are available. Our contact information is on the site.

We have a team of trusted men and women who are willing to offer assistance and prayer. What we do best is listen.

…Or, we can explore what transformation might look like in your specific life circumstances.

Just say the word.