Daily Hope with Rick Warren

Why Change Doesn’t Happen Instantly - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - November 5, 2022

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Why Change Doesn’t Happen Instantly
By Rick Warren

“People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit.”  Isaiah 26:3 (The Message)

As God moves you toward the better life, you may want change to happen fast. You want instant transformation—a total makeover in an hour. But God is not in a hurry because he’s more interested in growing your character. 

A man once told me, “Rick, I feel like my life is flooded with problems, and I'm about to drown in the flood.” When he said that, the first verse that came to my mind was about Noah and the flood: “The floodwaters gradually receded from the earth. After 150 days . . . the boat came to rest” (Genesis 8:3-4 NLT). The flood didn’t disappear instantly, and I knew this man’s problems wouldn’t either. Lasting change takes time.

The truth is, growth happens little by little over your lifetime. Growth doesn’t happen in a single step or a single leap. It doesn’t even come from a single decision. It happens through incremental change. It happens through sanctification—the process by which God grows you up.

The Apostle Paul said, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

God’s good work within you starts with a conscious commitment, that moment you say, “Okay, I'm in. I don't want to be stuck in a good life; I want the better life. I want all God has for me. I want the rest of my life to be the best of my life.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 talks about that commitment: “People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don't quit. Depend on GOD and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing” (Isaiah 26:3-4 The Message).

Do you want to be whole and steady? Set your mind on God, and “keep at it and don't quit.”

When you understand that God “will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns,” you’ll be much more patient in the long process of moving from a good life to the better life.

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40 Days of Prayer Scripture Cards: Rick WarrenYour Gift Brings Hope to the World

Transform your prayer life with God’s Word! 

True breakthrough from the struggles of life begins with prayer—and there is no better place to start cultivating a powerful prayer life than the Bible. 

Discover the biblical wisdom you need to transform the way you pray when you dive into this special collection of verses from God’s Word. You’ll be inspired and encouraged by Scripture as you learn to trust in his promises. 

Drawing key verses from Pastor Rick’s "40 Days of Prayer" teaching series, this set of 52 beautifully designed cards will help you memorize God’s Word so you can access it when you need it most—and it’s our thanks for your gift today to help more people experience the transformative power of prayer through Daily Hope! 

Thank you for helping share the hope of Jesus Christ. May you enjoy a time of breakthrough as you fill your heart and mind with the truth of Scripture. 

*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.

This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.

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