Change Takes Time
Change Takes Time
Verses Used
- Philippians 1:6
- Romans 12:2
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Galatians 6:9
- James 4:8
Devotional
Change takes time.
Lately, I’ve been looking back over the years. I have almost 45 of them to look back on now, LOL. But really, I’ve been thinking about the last six. 2020 was the year my life changed in a lot of ways, but the most important change was that I made the decision to come back to God.
And when I look at then versus now, I am honestly amazed.
I can see how God has changed me. How the world has mostly lost its hold on me. How I seek Him more than I ever have. How I want to complete His mission, lead others to Him, love people, forgive people, and give it all to God. I can see myself learning to say, “God, You have this. I don’t. Your will. Your plan. Not mine.”
But here’s the thing: it is easier to see change when you look back over years.
On the daily, I don’t always notice the little changes because I’m living them. It’s kind of like losing weight. You may not see it every day in the mirror, but someone who hasn’t seen you in a while notices right away. They can see the before and after.
That’s how spiritual growth can be.
Change takes time.
God is shaping us, molding us, correcting us, strengthening us, and changing us, but most of the time He does it little by little. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God finishes what He starts. He does not begin a work in you and then walk away. He keeps working.
Romans 12:2 talks about being transformed by the renewing of our minds. That word transformed matters. It is not just behavior modification. It is not pretending to be better. It is God changing how we think, how we respond, what we desire, and what we run to.
And yes, that change comes with challenges.
The world does not just let go quietly. It fights to keep you in its grasp. Old habits try to come back. Old thoughts try to speak up. Old wounds try to tell you who you are. And sometimes, you will fail. Not maybe. Not might. You will.
But that does not mean you quit.
Change takes time.
When you fall, get back up. When you take ten steps back, remember that God is still one step away. James 4:8 says to draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. He is not far. He is not done with you. He is not shocked by your struggle.
So keep praying. Keep walking. Keep surrendering. Keep choosing God again.
Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, because in due season we will reap if we do not give up.
One day, God willing, you will look back and say, “Wow… God, the work You have done in me is amazing.”
And all you’ll be able to say is, “Thank You.”
Prayer
Father, thank You for not giving up on me. Thank You for changing me even when I cannot see it day by day. Help me keep walking toward You, even when I fail. Shape me, mold me, renew my mind, and make me more like Jesus. I trust Your timing, Your plan, and Your work in me. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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