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29 comments

Nancy Leigh DeMoss

How to Change

Posted on 01.04.13 by Nancy Leigh DeMoss | Twitter: @NancyDeMoss
Topics: Relationship with God

The first three weeks of January, we're celebrating five years of God's faithfulness here on the True Woman blog with some of our favorite posts. Here's Nancy Leigh DeMoss' August 9, 2010 post originally titled, "Transformed!: Desire and Time." We think it's a a super practical, helpful post, and especially top-of-mind at the beginning of a new year. It's a series, so be sure to check out Part 2 and Part 3 here. Oh, and if you let us know which point was most helpful to you below, we'll choose one of you on Monday, January 7 to receive Nancy's latest devotional, The Quiet Place: 366 Devotional Readings.

Recently I ran into a woman I had not seen for several weeks. I hardly recognized her. Her hair, normally blonde, had turned completely white. The transformation was dramatic. All it took was forty minutes and some bleach.

If only spiritual transformation were that easy. Just read a book, see a counselor, attend a conference, make a fresh commitment, shed a few tears at an altar, memorize a few verses . . . and, presto, out comes a mature, godly Christian.

To the contrary, the experience of many believers looks like this:

Commit. Fail. Confess.
Re-commit. Fail again. Confess again.
Re-re-commit. Fail again. Give up.

After all the struggle and effort, we tend to want a “quick fix”—a once-for-all victory—so we won’t have to keep wrestling with the same old issues.

In my own walk with God, I have discovered some helpful principles about how spiritual change takes place.

1. Deep, lasting spiritual change rarely happens overnight. It is a process that involves training, testing, and time. There are no shortcuts.

We hear of people being dramatically delivered from drug or alcohol addiction, and we may wonder, “Why doesn’t God do that for me? Why do I have to struggle with this food addiction, with lust, worry, and anger?”

Before the children of Israel could possess the Promised Land, they had to drive out the pagan nations that occupied Canaan. Ultimate victory was assured if they would “trust and obey,” but it would take time. “I will not drive them out in a single year,” God said. “Little by little, I will drive them out before you” (Ex. 23:29–30).

God is committed to winning the hearts and developing the character of His people. That requires a process. 

2. Spiritual change requires desire. We must ask ourselves: Do I really want to change, or am I content to remain as I am? How important is it to me to be like Jesus? What price am I willing to pay to be godly?

Godly desires are nurtured by prayer and by meditation on Christ, who is the object of our desire. As I read the Scripture and gaze on the Lord Jesus, I find my heart longing to be like Him—humble, holy, compassionate, surrendered to the will of God, and sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit.

When our desire to be holy is greater than our willingness to stay where we are, we have taken a big step toward spiritual transformation. 

Where does this post find you today? How great is your desire to be transformed to look more like Jesus? Will you tell Him about it right now? Then check back here tomorrow for part two of three.


Adapted from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’ article in the May 2001 issue of Decision Magazine.

Comments

  1. I love both points and they make a lot of sense. But this is what spoke to me the most: "Godly desires are nurtured by prayer and by meditation on Christ, who is the object of our desire." Amen.
    posted by Heidi
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 7:27 am
  2. Spiritual change requires desire. For me, that is the crux of the matter. No amount of spending time with God will help me change unless i want to change.
    posted by Margaret
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 8:10 am
  3. The point most helpful to me--after considering all the points-- was from point #5. "So which is it? Does God do the fighting, while we 'rest in Him,' or do we have to fight against the enemies of our souls? According to Scripture, the answer is, yes." I need to be faithfully and obediently following the Spirit's lead with my armor on, cinched in place; then some progress can be made in areas of sinful struggle. Sometimes it'll be with Him fighting and others with my Sword swinging!
    posted by Terra
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 8:24 am
  4. This blog answers the question my daughter and I discussed yesterday. When do I get to stop fighting against the same old sin battles. Yes it does take time, but without the desire to overcome that sin the battle ,will continue. "When our desire to become holy is greater than our willingness to stay where we are , we have taken a big step toward spiritual transformation."
    posted by Patricia Armitage
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 8:50 am
  5. Point 1...change takes time and obedience. I love the verses from Exidus 23. "Little by little," is definitely how I would describe my spiritual transformation. I have the desire to be like Jesus, but the patience through the process is hard.
    posted by Tracy
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 10:10 am
  6. I need to be reminded that changing is a process. No matter what I desire things happen best in God's timing...which is usually never the same as mine!!
    posted by anon
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 10:12 am
  7. Point #2 is definitly a big one, and I one I struggle with. We need to want it more then we want this sinful life - and ohh how attractive the devil makes things of this world look, but it is nothing compared to the glory of our Lord!

    Praise be to Him!
    posted by Mandy
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:06 am
  8. The most helpful point Nancy made was the reminder that Jesus wants a relationship with us. We change when he is first in our lives and we are seeking him daily.
    posted by Diana
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:45 am
  9. It was helpful to be reminded that sanctification is a process. We want fast transformation but many times do not want to get rid of our pet sins (term I heard in a sermon once).

    The verse about God driving out Israel's enemies not all at once was a good reminder that my battles will probably not all be won at once.
    posted by Rachel
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:47 am
  10. You know, I've read this before, but I hadn't really fought spiritual battles like I've fought them for the past two years. This really helps me. These battles mean that I'm not in Egypt anymore. I'm in Canaan and I'm fighting giants so that I can take possession of the land that God has given to me. Praise the Lord!!!!
    posted by Jodi C.
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 12:28 pm
  11. This 3-part article tied in perfectly to recent conversations with friends as we looked toward the New Year (and past failed resolutions). I made sure to share this encouragement with them. Thanks for the blessings!
    posted by Keli
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 12:41 pm
  12. Number 2 - Desire. "When our desire to be holy is greater than our willingness to stay where we are, we have taken a big step toward spiritual transformation." In reading several blogs in the last few days, I realize that I need a greater desire to be holy and be like Christ rather than stay where I am. You stated it well. Thank you! God is using your comments in my life.
    posted by Donna
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 12:50 pm
  13. What stood out to me was that spiritual change is a process. It doesn't happen right away. I know that, but I don't live it. I get frustrated when I don't see my habits and behaviors changing like I want them to. In most things, I very often desire immediate change and perfection. This has led me to often feel negative and depressed about myself and my circumstances. It's something I'm really praying that the Lord will help me work on this year. But I have to keep being reminded that it's not going to change this week or this month, but that it will take time and effort on my part to be in God's Word and in prayer consistently.
    posted by Beth Anne
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm
  14. Both points are GREAT! How blessed we are to have a Savior that loves us and gives us chance after chance to get things right.
    posted by Wendy L.
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 1:55 pm
  15. I find point number two especially helpful. Change isn't going to just happen on its own. We have to want to change, and we have to work at it. I like the question, "What price am I willing to pay to be godly?"
    http://www.cranberryteatime.com
    posted by Rachel Lundy
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 4:20 pm
  16. Thank You Nancy for always pointing us to the Cross. James 4: 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. He want us to want him. I feel so close to the LORD when Im in his word and cultivating my life around the things of the LORD. He puts that desire in my heart.
    posted by lulu
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 8:37 pm
  17. I struggle with being impatient. I want every thing done yesterday, and oftentimes I become discouraged because I am not yet who I want to be in Christ. Deep, spiritual change is a process. This point serves as an awesome reminder of Who is in control of my sanctification. It is only by His grace that I am who I am today. I must remain content with His work within me, and keep a strong and willing desire to be changed by Him daily.
    posted by Amy
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 9:15 pm
  18. Both points were helpful to me. Transformation for me has been a long process and that is where point 2 speaks to me. I have the desire to change to please only my Heavenly Father and so I am patient because I know that through it all He is with me
    posted by Nanci
    on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:57 pm
  19. Discipline,desire, determination..praising God for these "D's" and His Holy Spirit that works in me each day. How I appreicate this ministry!
    posted by kathy
    on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 7:26 am
  20. Thank you for this ministry, It is so comforting to know so many other women have the same feeling and desire as me
    I'm thankful to have found this site. God blees you.

    Theresa
    posted by Theresa
    on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 12:14 pm
  21. What price am I willing to pay for being conformed into the image of Christ? Am I satisfied where I am spiritually? These are questions that need answers and often I'm not willing to do what I need to do! The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak! "Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I constrained to be. Let thy goodness like a fetter bind my wandering heart to Thee!
    posted by Tricia
    on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 2:54 pm
  22. This is so freeing and still frustrating to me because I have been trained to think that once you say yes everything changes quickly. So what I have been asking myself about "Why does this not all change?" I now understand is GOD at work in my heart changing me to be like HIM. I am in Canaan! Iam fighting the giants wnd getting rid of the lies of false ideas. As I commit and surrender to God's power withIN me I will slowly, step by step, as the Holy Spirit corrects and convict me become more like Jesus. HE IS LOVING ME. I AM EXPERIENCING GROWING PAINS. I AM LOVED, PURSUED AND GIVEN FAITHFUL PROMISE OF A FUTURE. I have just realized that every time Satan makes me think I am a failure I must stand firm on the truth: No! GOD is clearing out the enemies. It hurts and is scary because it is all new. Thank you for your strong assuring words.
    posted by Kathy Sturgis
    on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:00 am
  23. I have struggled with change. Point 2 is where I bog down. Rather than gaze at Jesus in Scripture, I realize I have been trying in my own strength to become what I perceive God wants me to be.
    Thank you for this post....I look forward to the rest of this study.
    posted by J Adams
    on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 11:15 am
  24. This was so comforting & encouraging to me. Thank you so much for sharing this! i could really & definitely identify!
    http://www.icfaid.org
    posted by Timi
    on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2:56 pm
  25. I just talked with a friend yesterday about fighting sin's pull. We shared your point about focusing on Christ, saying YES to Him, and making Him our desire, then we won't give in to sin, as easily!
    Thank you for your ministry. Our ladies are just about to start "Divine Design 101" in Norway, MI.
    posted by CARISSA BELFORD
    on Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 10:30 pm
  26. Change will come through discipline. This is the point I struggle with. I was reading Romans 7 &8 this morning and the light came on for me. One purpose Jesus came to live in the body of flesh was to "condemn sin in the flesh" that we may walk in righteousness. Jesus made it possible for me to be free from sin and to change into His image. Nancy mentioned that it is cooperating with the Spirit of God not just self effort. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. What I do not want to do I find myself doing and what I do not want to do I cannot. Who will deliver me. I thank God through Jesus Christ my Lord. Yielding to the Spirit's control is a daily discipline I want in my life! Thank you Nancy for this post on godly transformation.
    posted by Kristie
    on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 2:59 pm
  27. Love to see you all processing what you're learning here.

    Oh, and congrats Mandy! You just won a copy of Nancy's newest devotional. Check your inbox for more details.
    posted by Paula Hendricks
    on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 11:03 am
  28. I accepted Christ at 18. Now im 21 years old and I'm struggling with point number 2 because, I know I want to change however deep in my heart I'd rather be where I am and probably don't care for Jesus at all. Please pray that my heart becomes less bitter towards Christ and more loving to Him.
    posted by Kelly
    on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 9:16 pm
  29. Dear Kelly,

    I’m praying tonight that your heart and mind would be overwhelmed with the depths of Christ love for you. The hardness of our heart melts in the face of His undeserved, unending, immeasurable love for us.

    If you get a chance, listen in to Nancy’s teachings this week How to Fall and Stay in Love with Jesus ( https://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/revive-our-hearts/introduction-1-song-songs/).
    posted by Carrie Gaul
    on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 7:30 pm

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