The Heart of Transformation | Wednesday
Devotional
We live in a world obsessed with self-improvement. Countless books, podcasts, and programs promise to help us become better versions of ourselves. Yet despite our best efforts, we often find ourselves struggling with the same issues, falling into the same patterns, and feeling frustrated by our lack of progress.
The gospel offers a radically different approach to transformation. Instead of just trying harder, Jesus addresses the root issue: our hearts. The problem isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are at our core.
“Your heart, my heart, is absolutely wicked and there is no hope of living in a righteous way. This is why this is actually the bad news and the good news of the Christian life. The bad news is you can’t do it. The good news is Jesus does it for you.”
This is the miracle of the new covenant. God doesn’t just give us a list of rules to follow; He promises to give us new hearts that naturally desire to follow Him. He doesn’t just demand change; He makes change possible by transforming us from the inside out.
Today, instead of focusing on trying harder, surrender to God’s transforming work in your heart. Acknowledge your inability to change yourself, and invite Him to continue the work He’s begun in you. True and lasting change comes not through self-effort but through the supernatural work of God’s Spirit within us.
Bible Verse
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you been trying to change through self-effort rather than surrendering to God’s transforming work?
Quote
You cannot modify sin out of your life. Jesus is the only one who can do it.
Prayer
God, I confess my tendency to try to change myself through my own efforts. Thank You for Your promise to give me a new heart. I surrender to Your transforming work in my life today. Remove my heart of stone and give me a heart that beats in rhythm with Yours. Help me to rest in Your grace even as You continue to shape me into the person You created me to be. In Jesus’ name, amen.