God Transforms Us When We Go Together

Think back to a season when you worked hard towards a goal. With daily effort or weekly check-ins, you eventually saw real progress towards your goal over the course of months.

In the end, you could enjoy the thing you had accomplished, in all its sweetness. Hard work pays off!

But that’s not all — in the end, you could also look back and witness your own transformation over time.

In your diligence towards your goal, you became a person of discipline and commitment, dedicated to the cause you pursued.

In Acts 9, God transformed two men in the same sort of way.

First, he called Saul to follow Him. Saul was a Jewish leader who did not believe in Jesus. He was the enemy of Christians. Until one day, when Saul had a dramatic and sudden encounter with Jesus. His life was immediately turned around; everything Saul stood for had been reversed. He surrendered to God’s plan and committed to a new way. 

Then, God called Ananias beyond comfort. Ananias was a follower of Jesus, and God used him to reach Saul. This was intimidating and intense for Ananias, but he surrendered to God’s plan and committed to a new way.

As Saul and Ananias followed God together, they were transformed. Their trust in God (and one another) was deepened. They looked more and more like Jesus as they went together. In the end, Saul’s ministry is remembered as one of the greatest influences on Christianity. The result of their efforts was beautiful, but the journey was just as incredible.

This same transformation is available to you in your community!

What might God be calling you to? Today could be the beginning of your journey. 

Begin by listening together. Ask God what He has in mind for you.

Then, surrender together. God will never force your hand.

Finally, you must respond together… even when it costs.

DIVE DEEPER

Just like in Saul and Ananias’ story, following Jesus is not easy. It invites your time, energy, and effort. But when done in community with diligence, the pursuit of Jesus brings about real transformation. 

Canyon Ridge is beginning a long journey of transformation this fall. You’re invited to be a part of it! Find out more about by watching this video.