And it's the same for us. Our transformations will always be transient, but resurrection is permanent. When difficult and painful things happen, when the clouds form, we usually die a little inside. But providing we cling onto Jesus, and listen for God's voice within the cloud, we too will experience resurrection. God will bring something new out of the pain and misery, and we'll grow and change permanently through it.
Life is full of highs and lows, good times and bad times.
But all times work together for good for those who love God. I'd like to wrap up those moments and stay there forever. But long before the memories fade, I so often find myself suffering in thick cloud. Help me to enjoy the mountaintops, to use the experiences to enhance my strength and endurance, but to listen for your voice within the cloud. Enable me to let go those parts of my life which need to die, that I may gain permanent new life in glorious resurrection.