Contours of Transformation (Part 1) by Jason Caywood 
A probable scenario: I saw a particular car that caught my eye—one that I had not had much interest in before except to note that such cars were produced. I started to notice the shape and the size of the vehicle. Then I looked inside through the window at the interior features. I also noticed that this car was a 5-speed (and got excited because I have a preference for driving cars with 5-speed transmissions). Then I proceeded to get more technical information about that particular vehicle (model, model year, critical reviews of performance and handling, etc.). Then finally I actually got into the car and took it for a test drive. I was won over and purchased that car and it became to me a precious gift without which I would not be able to live a full life.
Can you identify with this? If not, consider a developing intense interest in other
material things, hobbies, sports, literary interests, the arts, etc. In the natural realm of human desiring and acquiring, here are the basics of the process: Seeing and noticing that particular thing, being increasingly curious about it, seeking to learn about it, coming to become convinced of the value of that thing and then committing to spend a large amount of money to purchase it and use it.
I suggest that these are examples that can be useful parallels to the journey of faith
(that is, trust) in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Lord used an ancient example to refer to this process in the parable of the man who bought a particular field in order to get the pearl of extraordinary value buried there (see Matthew 13:44-46).
From the perspective of our limited experience we go through a step by step process like this: We somehow get to the point of actually noticing Jesus and becoming genuinely curious about him. This almost always results from trusting someone who knows him and represents him well. (Though for some God can circumvent this relational process and speak directly to them about the Lord.)
Eventually that curiosity can build up into an intense desire to learn about him. Once we have come to accurately comprehend the basics of what he taught
and what he demands of human beings we are forced to make a choice—will I seek to change my way of life in order to gain a heart understanding of God as Jesus reveals him?
At this point many people can become deceived and think one of two things: One is to decide that one does not need to make the radical transformative changes the Lord calls for and somehow appropriate some hybrid spirituality that incorporates Jesus into one’s life style. Two is to simply reject the Lord’s claims and demands and stop seeking altogether. The alternative path that leads to true spiritual life is to wholeheartedly choose to embrace the Gospel and enter the Kingdom through faith into the Lord Jesus.
Another parable of the Lord seems to address this: That of the seed that grows up to full maturity (Mark 4:26-29). This process of growth is not guaranteed—it can be interrupted or blocked by one’s own choice after the seed of the Word has reached the soil of the heart. Reception of the Word depends upon the state of readiness of the soil. (See Mark 4:1-20)
The growth of the seed of true faith in the living God is indeed a great mystery. “Night and day, while he’s [the farmer who sowed the seed] asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.” (Mark 4:27, NLT) It is God’s work which we can only later begin to understand and appreciate. The work of the Holy Spirit provokes in us the awareness of taking these steps and enables us to move toward forward as we choose to be open to the truth.