This Is Why You Can Change and Grow

On this Monday, let me share some great news. For sure, all of us would occasionally describe particular sins that are stubborn or possibly an entire season of struggle. When in those times and seasons, it is easy to wonder if change or growth is even possible. Although perseverance remains the goal, the hope of perseverance seems dim. Disappointment can transition to discontentment quickly. However, there is good news. This is why you can change and grow.

The Apostle Paul delivers the good news as he describes what happens at and after salvation. He explains, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). This verse beautifully highlights both our identity and purpose in Christ, and it speaks to how God’s grace plays a key role in our growth in Christlikeness.

God’s grace is the foundation of our transformation. We are not saved by our works, but by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9). Whereas, in God’s mercy, He chose to release us in Christ to the guilt of our sins, in His grace, He saves us with a plan for growth and change. Grace is the unearned favor and power God gives us to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is His grace that enables us to walk in the good works He has prepared for us and empowers us to grow in Christlikeness.

Through His grace, we are created in Christ for good works which God has before ordained. In other words, grace transforms us initially, and then, provides us with hope for change.

Even in moments of struggle and temptation, grace gives us hope because we know that God’s grace is still present, His plan was ordained from salvation to future glorification, and He will continue to help us grow into the person He has created us to be.

God has prepared good works for us to do. This speaks to the purposeful aspect of our growth. God’s grace allows us to take steps toward fulfilling His will in our lives, even when challenges arise. Knowing that we are part of God’s eternal plan helps us approach each day with confidence, trusting that He is using our growth in Christlikeness for His glory and our good. In other words, God’s grace makes the next step of honoring Him and doing the next good thing possible. When you do the next good thing, you are changing.

Great news on this Monday – God’s grace enables us to grow in Christlikeness by transforming us from the inside out, and the hope we find in that grace assures us that we are not alone in this journey – God is continually working in us, fulfilling His purpose through us.