Our Conversion is not the end,

. . . its the beginning. We are a part of God's "new creation" and God continues to work in us to make us what He wants us to be -- more like Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

But how does God work in us? Through His Holy Spirit, "both to will and to do of His good pleasure". Jesus is in heaven carrying on His unfinished work of perfecting His church, equipping us for our work here on earth. To do this, He uses the Word of God, prayer, and sometimes suffering.

As we read God's Word, understand it, meditate on it, and feed on it; it goes to work in our lives to cleanse and nourish us. As we pray, God's Spirit works in us to release power. As we suffer, the Spirit of God ministers to us. Suffering drives us back to the Word and prayer.

God cannot work through us unless He works in us. This is why its important for you to spend time daily in the Word and in prayer and to yield to Christ during time of suffering.