Renovated from the Inside Out: Finding God in the Mess and the Makeover
- Vonyee K. Carrington
- May 9
- 5 min read
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine . . . Remember not the former things nor consider the things old. Behold, I am doing something new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. — Isaiah 43:1, 18-19 (ESV)
I moved into my home several years ago. The kitchen was the only area I didn’t change before moving in. I thought, “I’ll do it within the first year.”
The first year comprised finding a new church and a new job. The second year involved finding a new job and getting involved at my church. In the third and fourth years, I returned to the challenge of finding the next job. In year five, water problems (a hole in a well pipe, an issue with my home water filtration system, and a flooded yard) consumed my existence. 2025 began, and I thought, “I can work on the kitchen,” yet there is an impending recession.
I decided to forge ahead with my kitchen redo. If you've ever undertaken any renovation, you know it is a process. My process has been in five steps.
· The first step is planning and decision-making. You meet with the designer. You figure out what you want and what you don’t want. It is also the step where you decide how much the project will cost. As I’ve gone through the planning process, I have thought about how this phase has a spiritual aspect. For Christians, the planning phase is equal to the phase where you count the cost of the endeavor. Luke 14:28 reminds us to “... don’t begin until you count the cost. Who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost... (NLT)? Not only do you count the cost, but you also begin to seek God, His strength, and His Presence (1 Chronicles 16:11). Since God is our Master Designer, you also listen. You listen for directions on how to complete the task. You’re listening for God’s stamp of approval.
· The second step in the renovation process is packing and removing items. My kitchen is not huge. However, I do have many items. I started asking myself, “Do I use this item? How often do I use this item? Do I need it in my life? Will it be cheaper to keep the item or buy something newer at the end of the process? Am I committed to a kitchen renovation?” I’ve asked similar questions when God is renovating my life. It is getting rid of items that make the renovation more real. I must be fully committed to following God’s course for my life.
· After the packing and getting rid of the old comes the demolition phase. Cabinets, countertops, and light fixtures are torn out and thrown away. The same thing happens in my spiritual walk. I allow God to come in and clear away all the old debris. 2 Corinthians 7:1 encourages us “... cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion...” (ESV). I implement new practices and new mindsets to move forward in God.
· An empty space follows the demolition phase. You stand in the barren area, wondering if you did the right thing, knowing there's no turning back. For me, this is the hardest stage. I am more susceptible to the wiles of the devil. I must "set my mind on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth" (Colossians 3:2, ESV). I decide not to look at the barrenness, but to look at God’s goodness in my life.
· Installation follows demolition. Floors are installed. I now have a firm foundation. Cabinets go in place to store treasures, not just physical treasures but also spiritual ones. Lights are placed so that the whole of the room is illuminated. The last part of the renovation is viewing the completed project. Completion brings a new space and a sense of peace. In the renovation phase, you can embrace God's word that He's doing a new thing.
In the journey of faith, the renovation of our spiritual lives can be likened to a home improvement project, reflecting five key steps.
1. Planning and Decision-Making: Just as we meet with a designer to envision our renovation, we must seek God’s guidance, counting the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:28) and listening for His direction.
2. Packing and Removing Items: As we declutter our physical space, we must also evaluate what is essential in our spiritual lives. Shedding the unnecessary paves the way for a more committed walk with Christ.
3. Demolition: The demolition phase allows God to remove the old habits and sins that hinder us. We cleanse ourselves from every defilement to make room for holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1).
4. Barren Space: After demolition, we often face a void that can be daunting. In this stage, we’re reminded to focus on God’s goodness rather than our circumstances (Colossians 3:2).
5. Installation and Completion: Finally, as we build up again with strength and purpose, we welcome God's new blessings and clarity. Completion fosters peace, allowing us to nurture and use the gifts He has given us (2 Timothy 1:6).
Remembering these steps, we can confidently embrace our spiritual renovation, knowing that each phase brings us closer to the life God has designed for us. When renovated from the inside out, we'll find God in the mess and the makeover.
Your Turn: Have you started any new projects recently? It's essential to consider the excitement and the costs involved—time and resources. Have you recognized the treasures or skills God has given you to help with these endeavors? Also, reflect on whether you've let go of old mindsets that might be holding you back. Are you fully committed to your new perspectives? That commitment is key to transformation. Are you allowing God to guide you in completing your projects? Trusting in this process can lead to fulfillment beyond mere success. Embrace the journey and stay open to new possibilities.
Prayer: As I embark on this personal transformation, I invite Lord Jesus into every part of my life. I recognize that renovation requires deep changes, and I pray for the strength to embrace them. Help me see Your goodness throughout this journey, even in challenges. Guide my thoughts and actions, allowing me to trust Your process and timing. May this transformation change my circumstances, heart, and mind. Thank you, Lord, for supporting me as I seek renewal. Amen.
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