Let God Change You

Have you noticed that you’re not perfect? It probably seems like a silly question, because none of us are perfect. Yet, it’s our weaknesses and faults that often make us feel badly about ourselves and prevent us from becoming the confident person God created us to be.

Years ago, when I first began studying God’s Word, I quickly realized that a lot of things needed to change. I was critical and judgmental; I was rebellious and constantly arguing with my husband, Dave; and it seemed like every time I opened my mouth, I was saying something I shouldn’t!

So, right away, I set out to change my behavior using my willpower. I have always been an extremely determined person, and I was confident that I could change myself if I tried hard enough. You can probably guess what happened: I became frustrated and didn’t end up changing a bit. In fact, things got worse!

It was around this time that I discovered Galatians 3:3: Are you so foolish and so senseless and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh? (AMP).

This scripture that was life-changing for me. It was through God’s grace that I received salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). But, somehow, I thought I had to change myself through my own strength. In this scripture, the “flesh” represents our own human efforts apart from God.

I learned that just as I was saved by grace, I would be changed by grace. God’s grace is the strength and ability to do with ease what we could never do on our own.

As you read God’s Word and continue to learn and grow, the Lord will open your eyes to areas that need to change. And when that happens, you don’t need to feel guilty and condemned. The best thing you can do is go to Him and say, “Thank You for showing me these areas, Father. I want to change, but I know that I can’t do it without You! You are the only One who can help me to grow in this area.”

Your part is to be willing to change and stay open to God’s direction. For example, as I mentioned, some of my struggles have been with my mouth. There have been times when I was getting ready to say something that I knew was wrong, and I could sense the Holy Spirit ever-so-gently speak to my heart and say, “Just be quiet, Joyce.” At that moment, I had to be willing to obey and simply let it go.

None of us are perfect—we are all in the process of becoming more like Jesus. And it’s major step forward when you learn to accept and enjoy yourself while you’re still in the process. I often say that I still have many changes to make and I haven’t arrived at perfection, but I can enjoy where I am on the way to where I am going…and so can you.

_{Adapted from the book Authentically, Uniquely You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2021 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.}