Change. It is a well known fact that none of us really likes change. Some of us may like changing scenery and changing environments, but none of us really likes the changes that matter most, the inner changes, the changes of our character. I remember being terrified to pray this prayer from Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” I knew that I meant it and God would answer it, but I was so afraid of what He might show me and what He might require of me. I don’t remember any startling and horrifying revelations after that terrifying moment of prayer, but I do know that God has been faithful to answer it and, degree by degree, has been faithfully making changes in me.  

For those of us who belong to Christ we recognize that change is part of the Christian package. God’s goal is to continually change us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). We know this, but we get bogged down and discouraged when change doesn’t seem to be happening in our lives. We still struggle with the same old thoughts and behaviors. We say to ourselves, “Why am I not past this already? I should be further along than this. I thought I had already conquered this. Why is it coming up again?!”My encouragement to you as you face those inner changes is to keep yourself open and let Him do the work. 

Keep doing what you have been doing. Obey the Word. As you are day by day in God’s Word, be confident that His Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12) and is making a difference. Like your daily intake of food, sometimes you taste it, sometimes you don’t but it is always having an effect in your body, the word of God is always having an effect in your inner life. Don’t give up your daily spiritual nourishment. Approach it with faith and trust Him to make those changes, degree by degree. 

Remember that He loves you more than you love Him. Don’t give up! You might be tempted to give up when life feels especially hard, when you feel like no change is happening inside or outside in your life. Don’t give up! God is faithful. He can be counted on to do what He has promised. You love Him, right? You have to trust His word that says He loves you. (Romans 5:8) He really does! If you can believe that He really loves you then you can find the strength to keep going because you know that He will come through because of His love for you. Don’t quit!

Remember that, even though your effort is required, the real work is God’s. He is the one that is working the desire to change in you and He is the one who will bring it to completion. (Philippians 1:6) God is the one who makes the change in you by the power of His Holy Spirit. (Philippians 2:12-14, Romans 12:1-2) He is the one who transforms you as you submit yourself to the truth of His Word and the power of His Spirit. He is the one at work in you. You keep making the choices that line up with His Word and He will empower you by His Spirit. That is a promise that He will keep! (Ephesians 1:12-14)

My friend, whatever internal struggle you are facing, whatever it is that you feel needs to change and isn’t, remember that God is the one who put the “want to” in you and He will give you the power to do it. You can count on it! Compare who you are now with who you were in the past. Recognize what God has already done. Don’t get stuck on the change you haven’t seen yet. Don’t quit!

Key thought: God is the one who works change inside us. 

A Scripture to consider: “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:12-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A YES Challenge: What changes do you believe God wants to make in your life? How have you been trying to make those changes happen? Have you been trusting in God or your own effort? On a sheet of paper or index card write out the one change you would most like to see happen in your life. Take that paper and present it before God. Offer it to Him and express your trust in Him to make that change. Put that paper in an envelope and seal it as an indication that you are putting it in God’s hands. 

Prayer:  Father, I get so discouraged by all the changes that I see need to happen in me. I have been trying so hard, but I realize that I have not been fully trusting You to make the change in me. I choose now to offer those changes to You and trust you to complete Your good work in me. Amen.