Many people say they want to change, but lasting change takes more than a moment of motivation. It takes surrender to Christ, steady obedience, and a community that calls us higher. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that the moment I think, “I’m fine—I’ve got this,” is often when I’m closest to drifting. Vigilance matters.
God Works In Us
Real transformation isn’t just about trying harder; it’s about God working within our willingness.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
— Philippians 2:13
God supplies both the desire (“to will”) and the power (“to act”). Our role is to stay yielded and keep showing up.
Patience, Tenacity, and Course Correction
Change is rarely instant. I’ve had to learn patience and tenacity—moving mountains one shovel at a time. When I falter, the answer isn’t shame; it’s course correction. Keep repenting, keep practicing, keep going.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2a
Renewal is a process. Give yourself to it.
You Can’t Do This Alone
I’ve surrounded myself with people who want to change and are willing to do the work. In Celebrate Recovery and Rooted groups, I’ve watched frowns turn to joy in just ten weeks—not because life got easy, but because people walked together toward Jesus.
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
— Proverbs 27:17
Community exposes blind spots, fuels hope, and keeps us moving when we’d rather quit.
Watch Out for “I’m Fine”
When life starts improving, the temptation is to ease off the gas. I’ve learned that’s when I need to be most alert. Stay humble. Keep the practices that got you healthy—prayer, Scripture, confession, accountability, service.
Reflection Questions
- Where do you sense both a desire and a need to change right now?
- Which practice (prayer, Scripture, confession, accountability) do you tend to drop when life feels “fine”?
- Who are the two or three people sharpening you in this season? How can you invite them closer?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for giving me both the desire and the power to change. Guard me from pride when things start to improve, and from discouragement when growth feels slow. Surround me with people who sharpen me, and make me faithful to the practices that keep me close to You. Keep renewing my mind and shaping my will to match Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.