Yep…slowly! I struggle often with knowing my weaknesses, hating my weaknesses, yet still repeating them! I know I need to change. I want to change. But I can’t do it. That’s just it! I can’t change me. The only One who can truly change me is God.
“And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Amplified Bible)
Read that verse again slowly…meditate on it for a minute. (I suggest writing it out and reading, saying, or writing it several times a day until it gets down inside of you.)
So there we have it. The way to see true change in our lives is to spend time with God in His Word. This is a promise, and God never goes back on His Word. (Numbers 23:19) Focus on loving God and loving others, and trust Him to make the changes in you that are needed. Yes, you should be alert and watchful. Don’t take the attitude of, “This is just the way I am.” or, “Well, only God can change me, so take it or leave it.” I would say don’t give people the option, or they may just leave it!
Our attitude should be a humble one that is pleasing before the Lord - one that recognizes we are not perfect but that God, Who sees us as blameless in Christ and loves us unconditionally (Eph. 1:4), is working on us. (John 5:24; Phil 1:6) And as we continue to grow in our walk with Him He will continue to change us and make us more of who we ought to be. You are on your journey, and you are not alone. As God reveals weaknesses to you thank Him for the insight and the knowledge of what to look for, and pray about these areas. Then give your struggles back to Him as you daily seek Him and His ways, and watch as He changes you from the inside out.
And why does it happen slowly? Rarely does someone appreciate a gift that is easily attained. And if we could change ourselves we may see little need for God. But in our weakness His power is made perfect. Hence, if we were stronger of our own accord we would be less usable and have less opportunity to see the magnitude of His power. For this I say, “Thank you, Lord for my weakness!”
“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (Amplified Bible)
