While we are busy looking in the mirror at ourselves, Christ creates a new image of us. He works on that picture, and when it is finished, we will be conformed into His image. Christ has already seen the finished work in us. In contrast, we tend to look only at the hurts, pain, anger, wrinkles, hair, and every blemish, but God’s work isn’t done. The portrait is not finished yet as God’s photo lab must put on the finishing touches. Christ works on us every day to get us cleaned, polished, and stamped with His approval in the image of the Son of God.

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom. 8:29).

When you accept Christ, the old person has been transformed into the new person who is like Jesus. Transformation involves a process, so don’t be so hard on yourself. Be patient and allow God to continue to do His handiwork in you. He will be working on you until you get to heaven. However, while you are down here on earth, you’re continually being changed to reflect the life of Jesus, “the finished product.”

A native Mississippian, Dr. Arvis Murrell is passionate about providing encouragement, strength, and comfort to shattered lives. She understands lifeïs struggles and loves to share her story of how God transformed her from brokenness to a life of wholeness.

She has served people in the mid-South for more than twenty-five years as a registered nurse displaying empathy and compassion. Her most recent nursing experience involves caring for those with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Arvis is also a Christian counselor who has helped thousands heal emotionally, particularly when dealing with death and divorce.

As a child, Arvis loved to read, sing, and play outdoors. She is married to Carl Murrell, Sr. and they live in Cordova, Tennessee. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their blended family of six children.