Change Takes Time
By Rick Warren

“Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 ESV).

When God wants to remove the defects in your life, he doesn’t just snap his fingers so that it happens instantly. He does it incrementally. When God wants to make a mushroom, he takes six hours. But when God wants to make an oak tree, he takes 60 years. 

Do you want to be a mushroom or an oak tree?

The Holy Spirit will make changes in your life far beyond anything you thought was possible, but they’re not going to happen overnight. My prayer for you is that through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, and with support from your small group, you will be more mature, more Christlike, and further along in your purpose one year, five years, and 10 years from today.

My prayer is that you will be stronger emotionally, physically, spiritually, psychologically, and financially — but you have to be intentional about it. The Bible says, “Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 ESV).

This is how we become more like Jesus. The Apostle Paul says, “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him” (2 Corinthians 3:18b TLB).

Play today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>

Talk It Over

  • Why do you think God wants to make changes in you over time and not just instantly?
  • How does the Holy Spirit work in your life? How have you seen him work in your life?
  • What role does a small group play in someone’s spiritual growth?

For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!


Transformed Study Kit

 Experience a real transformation from the inside out!
 Is there a positive change you want to see in your life in 2017? If so, we want to send you a study kit Pastor Rick Warren has put together called Transformed to help make it happen!

Pastor Rick teaches 7 biblically based lessons in Transformed that will help you experience a real transformation from the inside out this year.

The Transformed study kit includes a 7-session DVD and a leather-bound workbook. And it’s our gift to thank you for your financial support of Daily Hope, so please request it when you give.

This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can also listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.