Why Change Doesn’t Happen Instantly

by Rick Warren — November 5, 2022
From Building a Better Life

“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.

Talk It Over

  • Whether you participated in a lose-weight-fast or get-rich-quick scheme, what quick change have you tried making yourself? What was the outcome?
  • What advice would you give to a friend who hopes to see instant improvement in their current circumstances?
  • After reading this devotional, in what areas do you think God is calling you to patiently wait on him to bring about change?

Will you follow Jesus today?

The Bible says, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 CSB).

Will you trust God to fulfill his promise? Pray this simple prayer: "Dear God, I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen."

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.