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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

In a world constantly shifting and evolving, there's something profoundly comforting about a God who remains unchanging. Yet while God Himself doesn't change, His desire is to transform us into the image of His Son. This beautiful paradox invites us to examine our lives and ask: Are we being changed by the God who doesn't change?

What Does It Mean That God Doesn't Change?

In Malachi 3, we find this powerful declaration: "For I am the Lord, I do not change. Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." God's unchanging nature is the very reason we can trust Him. He keeps His promises. He doesn't shift His standards or alter His character. His love, justice, mercy, and holiness remain constant.

This unchanging nature of God provides us with stability in an unstable world. When everything around us seems to be in flux, we can anchor ourselves to the One who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Why Does God Want to Change Us?

While God doesn't need to change (He's perfect, holy, just, and righteous), He deeply desires to change us. Why? Because we all have areas that need cultivation and improvement—places where we're not purely reflecting Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit's assignment in our lives is to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."

This transformation isn't instantaneous but progressive—"from glory to glory." It's a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus.

How Does God's Transformation Work in Our Lives?

God is Rebuilding You for Something Greater

Sanctification is essentially a construction zone. When you became a Christian, positionally speaking, your sins were forgiven, and you were adopted into God's family. But practically speaking, in your daily walk, you're still being transformed.

You are complete in Christ (having access to everything you need), but you're not yet completely like Christ. That's where sanctification comes in—the process by which the Holy Spirit works through God's Word to help you die to yourself and come alive to Christ.

Remember: He's still working on you. He's not finished with you yet. And the best is yet to come!

You Were Made to Carry His Glory

Throughout Scripture, we see God's desire to manifest His glory through His creation. From the pre-existent glory before creation to the perfect glory in Eden, from the fading glory of the Old Testament to the full glory revealed in Jesus Christ—God has always intended for His glory to be displayed.

Now, as believers, we are vessels of that glory. As Paul writes, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). We were designed to radiate God's presence to a watching world.

When we die to ourselves and make it about Jesus rather than us, we'll experience increased dimensions of God's glory. This isn't just about personal spiritual experiences—it's about God's power being manifested through us to bring healing, restoration, and transformation to others.

The Holy Spirit is Empowering Your Every Step

You are never alone as a believer. The Holy Spirit has been sent to be your helper, exhorter, encourager, comforter, and counselor. Jesus promised that the same Spirit who empowered Him would empower you.

The key is to be led by the Holy Spirit so you can stay in sync with God's revelation and timing for your life. Sometimes God gives you a "rhema" word—a now word for your specific situation. But understanding both the word and its timing is crucial.

How Can You Tell If You Need to Change?

The Fruit Test

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are you failing the love test? The joy test? The peace test?

When you find yourself lacking in any of these areas, it's an indication that the Holy Spirit wants to work change in that part of your life.

The Grace Test

God gives grace when you need it—not before, not after. When you're in God's will, doing what He's called you to do, you'll experience His grace to handle difficulties and dilemmas.

But sometimes the season ends, and God stops giving grace for a particular assignment because He wants to move you to something new. If you're experiencing frustration and a lack of grace in an area where you once thrived, it might be time to transition.

The Pain Test

Sometimes God allows enough pain in our lives to get us moving in the direction we need to go. Like Paul on the Damascus Road, we might be "kicking against the goads"—resisting God's direction until the pain becomes too great to ignore.

God's Unchanging Nature Should Give You Great Assurance

Because God doesn't change, you can trust His blueprint and direction for your life. Even when you fail or make mistakes, God's calling on your life remains. Romans 11:29 tells us that "the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."

God knew everything about you—including your failures—when He saved you, anointed you, called you, and gifted you. Your mistakes don't surprise Him, and they don't change His plans for you.

Life Application

Take some time this week to honestly evaluate your life using the three tests mentioned:

 

  • The Fruit Test: Which aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are lacking in your life? Ask God to help you grow in these areas.

 

  • The Grace Test: Where are you experiencing God's grace, and where are you feeling frustrated? Could God be transitioning you to something new?

 

  • The Pain Test: Is there pain in your life that might be God's way of redirecting you?

 

 

Then, consider these questions:

  • What is something you are doing that God might be asking you to stop?
  • What is something you're not doing that God might be asking you to start?
  • Are you allowing past failures to convince you that God has given up on you?
  • How might your life look different if you fully embraced God's unchanging love and purpose for you?

 

Remember, God is rebuilding you for something greater. He hasn't changed His mind about you. The gifts and calling He's placed on your life remain, even when you stumble. Trust His unchanging nature and allow Him to transform you from glory to glory.