“New Requires Renewing”

Beloved, we often say we want something new — a new season, a new start, a new life. But Scripture is clear: we cannot make ourselves new. Change that lasts does not come from effort alone, determination, or willpower. We are not made new by trying harder — we are made new when God does the renewing.

The Old Testament points us to this truth. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Notice who does the work. God doesn’t ask us to replace our own hearts — He promises to do it Himself. Renewal is not self-improvement; it is divine intervention.

The New Testament confirms it. Paul said this in Romans 12:2 tells us, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation is not behavior modification — it is God reshaping how we think, see, and respond. And 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” New life doesn’t start with us — it starts in Christ.

We cooperate by surrendering, but God is the One who renews. We bring the willingness; He brings the power. We bring the broken pieces; He brings the transformation.

So Beloved, stop striving to manufacture change. Instead, invite the Renewing God to do what only He can do. What He makes new, He sustains. What He renews, He restores fully.

Pray with me:

Father God, I confess that I cannot make myself new. I need You. Renew my mind, reshape my heart, and transform me from the inside out. I surrender my efforts and trust Your work in me — in Jesus’ name, I pray, believe, receive, and praise in advance, Amen!

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