Before and after images communicate a lot about the change that the subject went through. We may see before and after pictures showing the change of an athlete implementing a new workout routine and meal plan or change of a home renovation.

These images communicate the modifications, but they don’t always show the WHY or HOW behind the transformation. The behind the scenes is what God is after when we go through our own transformation process to become like His Son Jesus.

Think about your personal “before and after” of the transformation that Christ has brought about in your life. Maybe your “before” doesn’t look much different from your current situation. Or maybe it looks so radically different that it causes you to stress, feel anxious or guilty when you look back at your life before Christ. Either way, the Lord wants you to know that in Christ, you are free and declared righteous. In Christ, you experience a radical transformation by the Holy Spirit through God’s grace. This transformation has eternal promises and present implications. God calls His people to live a life that is set apart from the ways of the world and glorifies Him. Your life should be a living demonstration of the “before and after” transformation of when you say yes to Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

God calls His people to live set apart. He provides the strength that is necessary to stand strong in Him and live according to His will for our lives. The apostle Peter highlights two significant changes about strength when you put your faith in Jesus.

The first change is a change of source. The strength believers operate from is no longer our own source. In 1 Peter 4:11 we see Peter write, “If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

Peter highlights that God is the provider of strength. We don’t have to attempt to live from our own strength. God is the source of the strength necessary to live according to His will and serve others effectively.

The second is a change of purpose. In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter clearly states the source of strength in which believers operate from and immediately gives the purpose of operating out of God’s strength. He writes in the second half of the verse,“…so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.”

The words “so that” are so important because it sets the stage to see the why and purpose. We are to operate from God’s strength as we serve others so that God may be glorified. Operating out of God’s strength relieves us from the burden of performance and pressure of trying to be strong by our own strength. In Christ, we receive a redeemed purpose, and it is all for the glory of God.

As coaches and athletes, you can be a living demonstration of operating from God’s source of strength for the sake of bringing Him glory and advancing His Kingdom. Let’s live it out today.