One of my all-time favourite passages from any piece of literature is the famous “Dragon Transformation” scene in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Here, Eustace tries to de-dragon himself. 
So I started scratching myself and my scales began coming off all over the place. And then I scratched a little deeper and, instead of just scales coming off here and there, my whole skin started peeling off beautifully, like it does after an illness, or as if I was a banana. In a minute or two I just stepped out of it. I could see it lying there beside me, looking rather nasty. It was a most lovely feeling.
…The problem, he discovers, is that there is no way at all that he can possibly remove all the dragon layers on his own strength. Three times he removes another dragon skin, and three times he discovers he is still a dragon.
It isn’t until Aslan, the Great Lion, undresses Eustace Himself that Eustace can become a boy again.
The very first tear he made was so deep and I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off.
Tozer says that God can’t use a man greatly unless God wounds the man greatly. …Through trials and troubles, we are molded and refined more into the character of Christ. Our godliness grows as a result of pain.
And there was I as smooth and soft as a peeled switch and smaller than I had been. Then he caught hold of me – I didn’t like that much for I was very tender underneath now that I’d no skin on – and threw me into the water. It smarted like anything but only for a moment. After that it became perfectly delicious and as soon as I started swimming and splashing I found that all the pain had gone from my arm. And then I saw why. I’d turned into a boy again.
Every time I read this chapter, I find myself in tears. …By the grace of God I am who I am. And by the grace of God He is transforming me into who I will be. From one transformation to another, it has not been easy; it is literally a terrifying uphill battle everyday. But graciously the Great Lion, Jesus Christ, doesn’t leave us dragons forever. Our iniquities have been forgiven. … He has swept away our offenses like a cloud, our sins like the morning mist. He says, “Return to me, for I have redeemed.” (Isaiah 22:44). My heart is desperately wicked. As I get older, the deeper I realize the sin! BUT! Christ has given me a new heart. …One of flesh that is aware of His heart and hand. Praise the Lord His hand is bigger than my sin!
So may you be encouraged–God’s grace is good. All the time. And in His Great Goodness, Christ will transform you and me from Dragons to Dearly Beloved!
What you’ll find here is a collection of musings, thoughts, writings, and ramblings about things I’m reading, watching, and thinking about. It’s my goal to inspire, encourage, and instruct my fellow sisters in their walk with Jesus and their understanding of the Word.
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All the time. God is good. Proud of you.
Wow! This is beautiful! Just what I needed to read this morning. Thank you!