I recently heard a frustrated person say, “People never change.”
I understand why many believe that.
As a pastor for thirty-five years, I interacted with thousands of people. I watched many sincerely try to change, only to fall back into the same struggles again and again. They would experience seasons of success, then cave under pressure, often hurting themselves and others in the process. Over time, credibility eroded, and those affected would quietly say, “They’ll never change.”
Other times, it wasn’t temptation—it was good intentions. People would boldly announce new goals and fresh disciplines, only to abandon them weeks later and crawl back into familiar ruts, discouraged and disappointed with themselves.
Do you know someone like that?
Have you ever been that person?
Are you now?
I have been.
When I was a young man living without Jesus, I was stuck. No one wants to live in ruts—whether they are sinful or simply stagnant. People are happiest when they experience growth that leads to good and godly change. The problem is that change often feels overwhelming, even impossible. Yet it is precisely there that God calls us forward.
I’ve been through more changes than I can count, and I don’t remember a single one being easy. I came out of alcoholism and addiction. I came out of financial irresponsibility. I came out of being a poor husband, a sarcastic man, and someone living without structure or direction. Each change required transformation in my heart, mind, and actions—and each one felt impossible. The enemy was always nearby, quick to confirm, “You’ll never change.”
But God was leading me.
Over time, the Lord led me into changes that affected my livelihood and calling. I started businesses. I became an inventor. I increased my education. I grew into leadership and eventually pastoral ministry. I took up long-distance running and ran marathons. None of it happened overnight. All of it required obedience, perseverance, and discipline. None of it was easy—but all of it was deeply rewarding.
People who had known me most of my life would say, “Who are you? What happened to you? I never knew you to be this person.”
That reaction is exactly why God calls us to change.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Those words describe movement—from barrenness to life. That kind of change always involves God’s grace and our obedience working together. And lasting change only happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, real transformation doesn’t last.
One of the greatest tools God has used in my life is daily quiet time. I intentionally create space with no distractions—no phone, no noise—just my Bible, a journal, and time with the Lord. This isn’t optional for me; it’s essential.
Jesus modeled this for us.
Luke 5:16 (NIV) “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
I won’t tell you when or where your quiet time must happen. Life seasons differ. But we all need consistent space to hear from God, to evaluate our lives honestly, and to receive strength for the changes He is calling us to make. I don’t beat myself up over shortcomings—I bring them to God. They are simply areas where change is still underway.
Why do I do this daily? Because spiritual maturity is a lifelong process God deeply values. He desires to mentor us as a perfect Father. Maturity and promotion go hand in hand, and both require intentional change.
So don’t listen when the enemy—or your own reflection—whispers, “You’ll never change.”
God’s plan is steady, Spirit-led transformation.
Ephesians 3:16–18 (NLT) “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit… Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You are the God who makes all things new. Strengthen me through Your Spirit to embrace the changes You are calling me to make. Lead me daily, mature me steadily, and transform me completely for Your glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen!
More in Part Two
