Let’s look at the example of Judah in the old testament and how God changed him in due course of time. Joseph was sold as a slave at the tender age of 17 and when his brothers came to Egypt, the famine lasted for 2 years, meaning he was 39 when he met his brothers again in Egypt. So God had used 22 years to change Judah, the fourth son of Israel. Judah was the one who suggested selling Joseph (Genesis 37:26-27), thinking that it was more profitable for them to sell Joseph than killing him. It may seem that he didn’t want to harm his brother, but it also showed that he instead gained something from this betrayal rather than nothing. But look how he changed after 22 years. He could put himself forward as a surety for Benjamin when he asked him to bring Benjamin for the second journey to buy grain (Genesis 43:8-10). He did not defend himself but offered himself and the whole brethren as Joseph’s slaves when Joseph’s cup was found in Benjamin’s sack (Genesis 44:16). When Joseph asked for Benjamin alone to be his slave, he dared to put himself forward and offered himself to replace Benjamin (Genesis 44:18-34). Maybe we are just amazed at the changes, but we must remember what happened during these 22 years. He lost his wife and two sons (Genesis 38:6-10, 12). He made a mistake by seeking comfort from his daughter-in-law, Tamar, whom he didn’t even recognize (Genesis 38:15-25). He was humbled and acknowledged his mistake (Genesis 38:26). Meanwhile, he was loyal to his friend, Hirah the Adulammite.

And look at how God dealt with him. He was not a firstborn, who usually got double portions of the inheritance back then. He was not the most favourite or beloved by his father either. But because of him, his mother praised the Lord (Genesis 29:35). God appointed him a leader among all tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:8). God chose his lineage from Perez, one of his twins from Tamar, to give birth to David and then Jesus (Genesis 49:9-12, Matthew 1:2-16).

God can use anything to change us, but He also uses time to let the determined processes to take place. He knows the best way to transform us and puts everything in place to make it happen. Would we surrender ourselves to His processes to change us as He wants, no matter how long it takes?  

Romans 8:28-30

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

As this promise is for those who love Him, let’s continue to love Him. Let’s believe that He who has predestined, called, and justified us will finish the work. Let’s trust His processes and ways to transform us to be like Jesus, and the outcome will be glorious in Jesus’ name. Amen.