Have I Changed? - Encouragement for Today - October 21, 2026
Have I Changed?
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2a, NIV).
I have thousands of pictures on my phone. While I’m grateful for digital photos, it can also be overwhelming to consider how different life has become since the days of printing photos and putting them in an album.
While scrolling through my photos, I stumble upon images from those years past: pictures of my kids, of seasons I thought I wouldn’t survive, of strollers and sticky fingers and later college graduations.
Man, how times have changed. Looking at those pictures reminds me that change usually happens so slowly we don’t notice it while we’re living it. It’s only when we look back that we realize.
I wonder if the same can be true for our spiritual lives.
It’s easy to conflate activity with change. We may show up at church, lead Bible study, and pray over meals, and all of these are good. But they aren’t the measure of transformation. The real question is: What looks markedly different in my life because I’ve walked with Jesus?
Scripture reminds us this kind of change doesn’t happen by accident. Romans 12:2 doesn’t just say “be transformed.” It says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (emphasis added).
Renewal isn’t flashy. It involves consistency, discipline, and faithfulness. It’s about choosing new thoughts, laying down old patterns, and giving God access not just to our Sunday mornings but our inner world.
There’s a difference between glancing at God's Truth and soaking in it. Ten minutes of Scripture every few weeks won’t cut it. It's not like studying for a test — night-before “prayer cramming” doesn’t do it. We’re invited into deep work. Some days, we might even feel like nothing is changing, but God is so good at working underneath the surface. Even when He is silent, He is not still.
So here’s a challenge for you: Take a walk through your photos, your journals, or your memories. What has changed? What hasn't? The goal is not to feel shame about what has happened or hasn’t gone according to plan. The goal is simply awareness. Where have you let God transform your heart? How have you allowed Him to slowly lead you to change?
If you don’t see a difference yet, ask God to open your eyes to what He’s forming. Ask what He wants you to surrender. Because when you present your whole life to God — body, mind, and heart — you’ll begin to notice you are changing.
Even if transformation is slow, it is sure when you choose to be faithful. You just have to look to see it.
Dear Lord, I want to be changed by You. Help me avoid the mistake of confusing activity with transformation. Give me the courage to look back and notice the evidence of Your work in my life. And where I’m still clinging to old patterns, help me surrender. I trust You to renew my mind and shape me into something new. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Sometimes life leaves us carrying questions we wish had easier answers. Why am I still so afraid? Why does this struggle keep coming back? Is there more happening here than what I can see? God isn’t intimidated by those questions, and His Word doesn’t leave us without Truth to stand on. In Season 14 of Therapy & Theology, Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and Jim Cress talk honestly about spiritual discernment, trauma, the armor of God, and the battles we face — helping us separate truth from fear and live with greater confidence in Christ. If you’ve been carrying some hard questions of your own, start listening to Season 14 of Therapy & Theology here, and let’s keep bringing them back to the Truth we can trust.
ENGAGE
Want more encouragement on learning to rest and trust God’s leadership? Follow me on Instagram @chrystalhurst.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (NIV).
Take a few quiet moments to reflect on this verse. What worldly patterns of thinking, behavior, or busyness might you be conforming to without realizing it? In what areas of your life is God inviting you to experience true transformation, not just outward activity?
We’d love to hear from you. What part of today’s devotion resonated with you most? Share your thoughts in the comments!
GO DEEPER:
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