I Don’t See Real Change In My Life…Why?

“When we wrap our minds and hearts around God’s gracious work in the gospel and root ourselves in Jesus, we find the strength and power to change, because the power to change comes from him alone.– Matt Eachus, Gospel: Encountering and Remembering the Good News of Jesus

Change sometimes seems so arbitrary. Why do some grow quickly and move ahead in the Christian life, while others drift or always seem stuck in neutral? Why do two people profess faith, get involved in church life, have the same discipleship opportunities, and gain new friendships—and yet one flounders while the other flourishes?

Certainly one of the miracles we see routinely is a changed life. Not only can people change, they do. Every year, around the world, untold millions of lives are delivered that seem irredeemable because of bad choices they made in their life: delivered from substance abuse, alcohol abuse, self-destructive habits, emotional wounds, etc. Real change happens because people experience the real power of God that accompanies a new life in Christ.

Jesus came so that human beings who were stuck would not be stuck anymore. His work on the cross targets our hearts—our core desires and motivations—when our hearts change, everything we do changes too. One of God’s primary tools for affecting change is the Bible. But what is it about this collection of writings that empowers lives to be changed in such amazing ways? The key to understanding this power is to realize that the Bible is the Word of God and not just a collection of inspirational writings. The Bible is distinct from every other manuscript in history in that it is indeed the Word of God to man. ( 2 Timothy 3:14–16) When you read the Bible consistently amazing things start to happen. You begin to change and as you change you not only look at things differently you start to do things differently. You begin to be more patient. You get better at relationships. Your desires change. You can’t wait to learn more at church and in a small group. You see things in a whole new light. You are seeing your life through the clarifying, edifying, purifying lens of God’s Word.

God’s Word is still powerful today. It has the power to change lives. It is still the bedrock of our Christian faith. Invest in your relationship with Him. If you have not spent time in the Bible lately, maybe it is time to jump back in: open it up, read with, discuss it with people, chew on it, and let it change you. Not just because it’s the thing to do as a Christian. Do it because you must, because we all desperately need to know God in a more personal, intimate way. You will never be the same again.

“Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.”  (Proverbs 30:5).

Discussion Questions:

1. How can Scripture change your life?  
2. What can you do this week to spend more time in God’s Word?