God's Presence to Transform Us
by Maritza Eru
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
We all long to live more like Jesus as His followers, and the key to this transformation lies in God's presence. It is His presence that transforms, strengthens, and gives rest in ways nothing else can. However, there are times we go through our days without fully seeking God’s abiding presence. Scripture reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God, making Him our priority above all else. But how do we seek Him? We pray to draw near, but how can we go deeper? One way is through fasting. By setting aside distractions, we create space for God's power to work within us, renewing our hearts and minds.
When we fast, we say no to hidden appetites that may control us, creating space to press into God’s Presence and heighten our spiritual sensitivity. This act makes us more aware of God's voice and opens our hearts to His transformative work. It breaks up the fallow ground in our hearts, exposing areas that may have hardened over
time. Each fast has revealed to me hidden parts of my heart that need softening, reminding me of how much I need His transformative abiding presence daily.
Smith Wigglesworth said this: "There are a thousand parts in my heart that need to be softened, a thousand times a day."
In God’s presence, we are transformed. He reveals our weaknesses and fills us with His grace, making us new despite our unworthiness, just as He did with Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5). When life feels overwhelming, His presence can become our hiding place to help revive us. Just as He promised Moses rest (Exodus 33:14), He offers us peace that surpasses understanding. This peace transforms us, providing strength amid life’s storms. When (not if) life’s storms arise, the remedy is always the same: more of Jesus and more of His presence.
We often long for clarity and direction. In God’s presence, we can find both. Maybe not in ways that we expect, but faith allows us to trust that God’s ways are higher and better than ours. This kind of leading by our great Shepherd helps transform us to lean not on our own understanding, but His.
What about His presence that helps us witness and encourage others? The Holy Spirit must fill us continually with power to do so boldly. Like Peter and John, we can move with courage and authority (Acts 4:13). That kind of power comes from His presence transforming us. I’ll add, it’s the only real fruit that will last beyond us.
God desires a close relationship with us, and through Jesus, we have access to Him at all times. Watching my 5-year-old delight in the presence of his earthly father reminds me of this truth. Uriah runs to his dad with unreserved joy, seeking attention, security, and love. How I long to be like my son, yearning for my Heavenly Father’s presence with the same eagerness and trust. Yet, so often, we settle for a life distant from God’s nearness. Fasting helps us realign our affections. By saying no to distractions, we create space to experience Him anew. In His presence, we rediscover joy, are deeply fulfilled, and find a closeness that transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and empowers us to reflect His love more fully.
His presence is His promise. He never leaves us, He won’t forsake us, even in the hardest moments. His faithfulness assures us of victory in every battle. Yes, a battle. If you aren't clued in just yet that we are in a spiritual war, just read Eph 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
"We do not", it does not say “we did not”. God’s promising presence transforms us to stand firm in our faith knowing He has already won the battle.
Every moment spent with Him on this side of eternity offers a glimpse of the joy awaiting us in heaven. His presence fills us with unwavering hope and strengthens our perseverance to endure and thrive. His presence transforms us to keep our eyes on things above and not on earthly things that are fading away.
My encouragement to us today is to use this devotional as a gentle nudge to pause and seek Him once more. Trust His promise to meet you—not in the way you may expect, but in a way that will transform you deeply. Whether in prayer, worship, or quiet reflection, surrender to Him again and invite His presence to work within you. Set your heart and affections on Him, the worthy Lamb who is our ultimate reward.
Here is a playlist to soak in during your fast.
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
We all long to live more like Jesus as His followers, and the key to this transformation lies in God's presence. It is His presence that transforms, strengthens, and gives rest in ways nothing else can. However, there are times we go through our days without fully seeking God’s abiding presence. Scripture reminds us to seek first the Kingdom of God, making Him our priority above all else. But how do we seek Him? We pray to draw near, but how can we go deeper? One way is through fasting. By setting aside distractions, we create space for God's power to work within us, renewing our hearts and minds.
When we fast, we say no to hidden appetites that may control us, creating space to press into God’s Presence and heighten our spiritual sensitivity. This act makes us more aware of God's voice and opens our hearts to His transformative work. It breaks up the fallow ground in our hearts, exposing areas that may have hardened over
time. Each fast has revealed to me hidden parts of my heart that need softening, reminding me of how much I need His transformative abiding presence daily.
Smith Wigglesworth said this: "There are a thousand parts in my heart that need to be softened, a thousand times a day."
In God’s presence, we are transformed. He reveals our weaknesses and fills us with His grace, making us new despite our unworthiness, just as He did with Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5). When life feels overwhelming, His presence can become our hiding place to help revive us. Just as He promised Moses rest (Exodus 33:14), He offers us peace that surpasses understanding. This peace transforms us, providing strength amid life’s storms. When (not if) life’s storms arise, the remedy is always the same: more of Jesus and more of His presence.
We often long for clarity and direction. In God’s presence, we can find both. Maybe not in ways that we expect, but faith allows us to trust that God’s ways are higher and better than ours. This kind of leading by our great Shepherd helps transform us to lean not on our own understanding, but His.
What about His presence that helps us witness and encourage others? The Holy Spirit must fill us continually with power to do so boldly. Like Peter and John, we can move with courage and authority (Acts 4:13). That kind of power comes from His presence transforming us. I’ll add, it’s the only real fruit that will last beyond us.
God desires a close relationship with us, and through Jesus, we have access to Him at all times. Watching my 5-year-old delight in the presence of his earthly father reminds me of this truth. Uriah runs to his dad with unreserved joy, seeking attention, security, and love. How I long to be like my son, yearning for my Heavenly Father’s presence with the same eagerness and trust. Yet, so often, we settle for a life distant from God’s nearness. Fasting helps us realign our affections. By saying no to distractions, we create space to experience Him anew. In His presence, we rediscover joy, are deeply fulfilled, and find a closeness that transforms our hearts, renews our minds, and empowers us to reflect His love more fully.
His presence is His promise. He never leaves us, He won’t forsake us, even in the hardest moments. His faithfulness assures us of victory in every battle. Yes, a battle. If you aren't clued in just yet that we are in a spiritual war, just read Eph 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
"We do not", it does not say “we did not”. God’s promising presence transforms us to stand firm in our faith knowing He has already won the battle.
Every moment spent with Him on this side of eternity offers a glimpse of the joy awaiting us in heaven. His presence fills us with unwavering hope and strengthens our perseverance to endure and thrive. His presence transforms us to keep our eyes on things above and not on earthly things that are fading away.
My encouragement to us today is to use this devotional as a gentle nudge to pause and seek Him once more. Trust His promise to meet you—not in the way you may expect, but in a way that will transform you deeply. Whether in prayer, worship, or quiet reflection, surrender to Him again and invite His presence to work within you. Set your heart and affections on Him, the worthy Lamb who is our ultimate reward.
Here is a playlist to soak in during your fast.