There seems to always be a guarantee in life that change will happen.

Change is something
we tend to fear and become anxious about because we do not feel in control of life. The
good news is that God has a plan for your life to hope, future, and to prosper. If we trust in
God and allow the change to grow us to become more like Jesus Christ in how we respond
and act, then we are promised that all things will work together for good for those who love
Him and keep His commandments! We hope this list of Bible verses and stories of change
will give you peace and encouragement as you face the ups and downs in life.

2 Peter 3:9

Chapter Parallel Compare

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Deuteronomy 31:6

Chapter Parallel Compare

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the
LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

 Ecclesiastes 3:1

Chapter Parallel Compare

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Hebrews 6:19

Chapter Parallel Compare

19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner
sanctuary behind the curtain,

Hebrews 13:8

Chapter Parallel Compare

 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Isaiah 43:19

Chapter Parallel Compare

19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making
a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

James 1:17

Chapter Parallel Compare

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

 Jeremiah 29:11

Chapter Parallel Compare

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Joshua 1:9

Chapter Parallel Compare

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not
be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

1 Corinthians 6:11

Chapter Parallel Compare

 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you
were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Malachi 3:6

Chapter Parallel Compare

6 "I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

Numbers 23:19

Chapter Parallel Compare

19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his
mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill

 Psalm 18:2

Chapter Parallel Compare

2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I

take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Romans 12:1-2

Chapter Parallel Compare

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not
conform any longer 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.

Philippians 4:6-8
 Chapter Parallel Compare

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally,
brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think
about such things.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Chapter Parallel Compare

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet
inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles
are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes
not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is
unseen is eternal.

Lamentations 3:21-23
 Chapter Parallel Compare

21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD's great
love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every
morning; great is your faithfulness.

Psalm 103:1-5

Chapter Parallel Compare

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the
LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and
heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love
and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is
renewed like the eagle's.

Introduction:

Have you ever had difficulty trying to change a habit? Human beings are creatures of habit. We
tend to continue acting as we have acted in the past. Like a river flowing through a canyon, the
longer a habit continues, the more deeply it becomes ingrained, and the harder it is to change.
This is true of all habits, good or bad.
Ephesians 4:22-24 shows that major changes must occur when we are converted to serve God.
Old practices and attitudes must be replaced by new ones. Christians must learn good habits like
Bible study, prayer, love, faith, patience, attending church meetings, giving, teaching others, etc.
We must also eliminate bad habits like foul language, uncontrolled temper, gambling, drugs,
smoking, drinking, gossip, lying, pornography, sexual promiscuity, etc.

Knowing what changes to make is not enough. We also need to know how to make them. Change
does not come easily. Since the Scriptures provide us to all good works (2 Timothy 3:16,17),
they give all the guidance we need. God's word is the best source of guidance for self-help and
motivation for self-improvement.

Let us study 12 specific, practical steps the Bible gives to show us how to change and improve
our selves to become what God wants.

Step1: Change Your Purpose in Life.

Before people are willing to act, they must be motivated. A sound sleeper is more likely to get up
in the middle of the night if the house is on fire than if he remembers he did not brush his teeth!
Christians have some of the strongest possible motives for changing. Consider some:

Love and Dedication to God

Romans 12:1,2 - Christians are transformed (changed) by renewing their minds (cf. Eph. 4:23).
To live differently, we must think differently. We must not seek to be like the world but to use
our bodies in God's service.

The Macedonians practiced generous giving because they first gave themselves to the Lord (2
Corinthians 8:5). Changing our conduct becomes much easier when we are totally dedicated to
God's service. (See also Ecc. 12:13; Matt. 6:33; 16:24.)

1 John 5:3; 4:19,9 - What motivates us to obey God? Our love for Him. What motivates us to
love Him? The fact that He loved us. How do we know He loved us? Because He gave His Son
to die to save us.

Love is one of the strongest forces in existence. It can move a woman to rescue her children from
a burning building or a man to lift an automobile that has crushed a loved one. If you are having
difficulty changing yourself, you need to learn to appreciate God's blessings and mercy. (See also
1 John 2:15-17; Matt. 10:34-37; 22:37-40; John 14:15; 2 Cor. 5:14-17.)

Imitation of Christ

The desire to be like someone we admire is another powerful motivation. Sports heroes inspire
young people in athletics. Washington and Lincoln are models for patriotic citizens. So godly
people like Abraham, Noah, Ruth, and Mary motivate us to serve God. But the greatest example
of all is that of Jesus.

Matthew 10:24,25 - A disciple seeks to be like his master. Christians are disciples of Jesus (Acts
11:26). We should follow His steps because He left us a sinless example (1 Peter 2:21,22).

As we face each decision in life, we should ask, "What would Jesus do?" This will give us strong
motivation to change our lives. (See also Gal. 2:20; Matt. 16:24; Col. 3:10).

Desire for Eternal Life, Not Eternal Punishment

1 Corinthians 9:25 - Athletes control their habits so they can win a temporary, earthly honor.
Christians have an even stronger motive. We seek the crown of eternal life (James 1:12; Rev.
2:10). We should set our minds on our eternal reward, not on earthly things (Col. 3:1-6; 2 Peter
1:10,11; 2 Thess. 1:8,9).

Lack of motivation is a major reason people do not change to please God. They do not have
sufficient desire to change. Instead they want to please themselves or their friends and family.
Often they are too concerned with the things of this life. Until our motives are right, little else in
this study will help us. But when we are determined that serving God is our most important
purpose in life, then we will find the means to make the necessary changes.

When we lack the motivation to change, let us think about why we should love God, think about
the importance of being like Christ, and think about our eternal destiny.

Step2: Believe You Can Change with God's Help.

Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. The way
you act is determined by your attitudes and intentions. People and circumstances may influence
you, but you do not have to give in. You do what you decide to do (cf. Matt. 15:18,19; 12:34-37).
1 Corinthians 10:13 - God will not allow temptations that are beyond your ability to bear. He will
always make a way of escape. "God is faithful." He will always keep this promise. It follows that
you can break any bad habit and develop any good habit according to God's will.

Philippians 4:13 - We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This includes
changing to please Him. If we trust our own strength, we will fail. Satan can defeat us. If we use
Christ's strength we will succeed, because Satan can never defeat Him. Perhaps we have failed in
the past because we have trusted our own power instead of using Christ's.

People sometimes convince themselves, "I just can't change. It's too late. Besides, I'm only
human." They are not just belittling themselves; they are denying God's word. They will fail
simply because they will give up instead of persisting to use God's power.

Psalm 37:5 - If you commit yourself to the Lord and trust Him, He will accomplish His will for
you. No matter how strong a temptation you face, no matter how long you have practiced a sin, if
God says to change, you can change. (See also Eph. 6:10-18; 3:20,21; 2 Cor. 9:8; Josh. 1:5-9.)

Step 3: Study the Bible about Your Habit.

Joshua 1:8 - To succeed in God's work, meditate on God's word. List the pertinent Bible passages
about each habit you need to change. List reasons why you should change. Meditate on these
verses daily, filling your mind with them. (Cf. Psalm 1:2; 119:11.)

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 - Frequently remind yourself of these verses. Write them and place them
where they will remind you: on your bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator door, on your table at
mealtime, on the TV knob.

Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus overcame temptation by quoting Scripture. But this worked only because
He knew the Scripture. Memorize verses about your habit so that, when you are tempted, they
will come to mind and strengthen you. Quote them to yourself and to those who tempt you. (See
also Prov. 3:5,6; 2 Tim. 3:16,17; Eph. 6:17; Rom. 1:16; Heb. 4:12.)

Step4: Repent of Sin.

Acts 8:22 - Sin requires repentance. Repentance is a change of mind - a determined commitment
to cease sin and obey God (see Matt. 21:28,29; Acts 17:30; 11:23). Before one can change his
conduct, he must change his mind.

Proverbs 28:13 - Do not cover up your sin, deny it, excuse it, or blame someone else. Admit the
error and be truly sorry (2 Cor. 7:10). But sorrow is not enough. We have truly repented only
when we are so sorry that we determine to change our conduct.

Most other achievements in life require about 10% ability and 90% just plain determination and
hard work. In spiritual matters, every accountable person has the ability to please God; so
changing to please God is 100% determined by our choice. God has provided everything we
need. The decision is ours.

We will never change until we make up our minds to pursue the means God provides until we
succeed. The decision to do this is repentance, and no one will change to please God without it.

Step 5: Develop a Plan of Action.

Proverbs 14:22 - We must devise to do good, not evil. God's example demonstrates the
importance of planning. He purposed man's redemption (Rom. 8:28), the church (Eph. 3:10,11),
the temple (Heb. 8:5), etc. (cf. Gen. 12:1-7). Likewise, God's servants need to have a plan to
succeed in His service (Luke 14:26-33; Dan. 1:8; Psalm 17:3; Acts 11:23; 2 Cor. 9:7).

In what other important endeavors will we succeed without a plan? Consider the forethought
needed to build a house, run a business or a household, program a computer, etc. Worthwhile
activities, to be successful, need planning.

Likewise, to change your life, you need a specific, practical checklist of steps you will take to
change. Analyze the circumstances or causes that lead you to fail to do right, then plan how to
avoid those causes. It may help to write your plan down and modify it as needed. This plan will
include some specific points we are studying plus other points that fit your specific problem.

Many people fail to change to please God because they never planned to succeed. They did not
plan to fail, but they failed to plan!
 Step 6: Pray Regularly.

Prayer is essential in two ways.

A child of God should pray for forgiveness.

If you are not yet a child of God, you need to believe in Jesus, repent of sins, confess Christ, and
be baptized to be forgiven of sins (Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 2:38; 22:16). When you have
done those things, you become a child of God (Gal. 3:26,27; Rom. 6:3,4; 1 Peter 1:22,23). If you
sin afterward, you need to pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:8-10; Prov. 28:13; Matt.
6:12).

Then pray for God's help.

Matthew 6:13 - Ask God to "deliver us from evil" (cf. Matt. 26:41). Tell God exactly what your
problem is. Pray often and regularly (1 Thess. 5:17; Col. 4:2). Pray especially at the moment
when you face temptation (Matt. 26:36-46).

God has promised that, if you ask His help, He will hear and answer (1 Peter 5:7; Phil. 4:6,7;
Eph. 6:11,13,18).

Step 7: Seek Help from Other Christians.

James 5:16 - Christians should confess their faults to one another so they can pray for one
another. We should bear one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2). If our sins have harmed specific
individuals, we should apologize to them (Matt. 5:23,24).

When we are fighting an especially difficult habit, it may help to choose one or two special
counselors to talk with regularly. They can give us Bible passages and good advice about how to
change. They can encourage us. It may motivate us just to know that others are aware of our
problem. And they can surely pray for us.

Public church meetings are especially designed to give encouragement (Heb. 10:24,25; 3:12,13;
Eph. 4:15,16). We need to attend regularly for many reasons, but especially we need
encouragement as we try to become what God wants us to be.
 Step 8: Diligently Practice What is Right.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work. Abundant,
steadfast work is needed.

We have discussed several steps to prepare us to change, but none of them can substitute for hard
work and dedicated effort. All the good attitudes in the world will not get the job done until we
follow through with action. God does not promise change will be easy, but He promises it is
possible if we work diligently according to His word.

James 1:22-25 - Be doers of the word, not just hearers. Habits are formed by repeated action. We
learn to ride a bicycle by forcing ourselves to practice, even when it feels unnatural and
uncomfortable. But repetition produces a habit that then feels natural and enjoyable.

So we change to serve God only when we compel ourselves to do what we know is right and
repeat it until it becomes "second nature." (See also Rom. 6:1-23; Matt. 7:21; Luke 6:46.)

Step 9: Substitue Good Habits for Bad Ones.

Ephesians 4:22-32 - Do not just put off the old man. Put on the new man. Note the examples:
Speak truth instead of falsehood (v25), work and give to others instead of stealing (v28), speak
good instead of evil (v29), show kindness and forgiveness instead of anger and bitterness
(v31,32).

Matthew 12:43-45 - A demon left a man but later found the man's life still empty. He moved
back in bringing seven other demons with him! Jesus applied this to Israel, but it is a general
principle.

"Nature hates a vacuum." Remove the air from a bottle, and it will try to get back in. Fill the
bottle with something substantial, and the air stays out. So your life cannot stay a spiritual void.
It will fill with good or evil. Replace bad habits with good and the bad is less likely to return.
For example, suppose you determine to watch less TV, so you turn it off, but sit in front of it with
nothing else to do. Soon you will turn it on again. But if you become actively involved in family
activities, Bible study, etc., soon you will replace it with other habits.

For every bad habit you "put off," find some useful activity to "put on" in its place.

Step 10: Avoid Temptation.

Matthew 6:13 - We should pray, "lead us not into temptation." If we pray this, surely we obligate
ourselves to avoid people, places, and situations that tempt us (cf. Rom. 13:14).

1 Corinthians 15:33 - Evil company corrupts good habits. Note: "Do not be deceived." Many
people think they can return to bad company without returning to bad habits. They are deceived!

Many habits - such as drinking, smoking, drug abuse, gambling, and sexual promiscuity - are
begun and continued because of "peer pressure." Breaking such habits by themselves is hard
enough, but it is far more difficult when "friends" urge us to continue them (1 Peter 4:3,4; Prov.
13:20; Ex. 23:2).

Psalm 26:5 - We should hate the congregation of evildoers. Too often people say, "I won't drink
(or dance or gamble, etc.). I'll just go to the tavern (or dance hall or casino) to be with my
friends." When people have gathered together for the purpose of practicing sin, Christians belong
somewhere else! (Cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11.)

You cannot change a bad habit while continuing to run with the "crowd" that caused the habit.
Changing the habit will require changing your friends because the "friends" are part of the habit!

Step 11: Face One Day at a Time.

Matthew 6:33,34 - Do not worry about tomorrow. Today's temptations will be enough to handle
today. Handle tomorrow's temptations tomorrow - if tomorrow comes.

Often people quit trying to serve God because they are overwhelmed by the sacrifices required to
live the rest of their lives for God. But ask yourself this: "Can I practice what is right today - just
today?" Of course you can. So when you get up each morning, promise yourself and God, "I will
live today for God." Don't worry about handling tomorrow. If it comes, you can handle it the
same way you will handle today.

Two men were climbing a steep path up a tall mountain. One looked to the top and asked, "How
will we ever make it?" The other replied, "One step at a time." And that is the only way for you
to change yourself.

Step 12: Be Patient.

Romans 2:7 - We receive eternal life if we continue patiently in well doing. We must be
steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord's work (1 Cor. 15:58).

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do
not lose heart. Your habits did not develop overnight and will not likely disappear overnight. It
will take time. If you fall, repent, and ask God's forgiveness. But get up and go on. Do not give
up. (1 John 1:8-2:2)

2 Peter 3:18 - Becoming a mature Christian is a process of growth. You are born again as a baby
and gradually grow up in Christ. You may look at mature Christians and think, "Why can't I be
like them?" But they probably took years to mature. Do not be impatient with yourself.

As a child grows, you may notice small changes from day to day. But look at pictures from years
ago and you will see amazing differences. So you may not see much change in your service to
God today compared to yesterday. But if you diligently apply the steps taught in God's word,
after a period of 5, 10, or 20 years you will see significant changes compared to where you
began.

Conclusion

By using the means God provides, you can change to be what He wants. He gives motivation,
guidance, and encouragement. All that is left is for you to determine to follow His will and then
diligently act on that decision. He provides the tools. You must use them. What choice will you
make?
 Bible Topics: Changes: How
To Take Them
Definition of "change": To become different; to undergo a
transformation or to pass through a transitional phase.

1. All things change, but Jesus never.

Hebrews 1:10-12 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the
foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine
hands: 11 They shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall
wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a vesture shalt Thou fold
them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and
Thy years shall not fail. [See also Psalm 102:25-27.]

Malachi 3:6a For I am the Lord, I change not.

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for
ever.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from Above,
and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no
variableness, neither shadow of turning.

2. Carnal man resists changes.

Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth
new: for he saith, The old is better.
 Psalm 49:11 Their inward thought is, that their houses shall
continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they
call their lands after their own names.

Mark 7:9 And He said unto them, Full well ye reject the
commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

3. Changes often test our faith that God

knows best and is working out His perfect plan
for us.
Job 1:21 And [Job] said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb,
and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath
taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Hebrews 11:17, 19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered

up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only
begotten son, 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up,
even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and
to do of His good pleasure.

4. Ultimately, God's changes are always

good for us.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to
them that love God, to them who are the called according to His
purpose.

Psalm 55:19b Because they have no changes, therefore they fear

not God.
 Psalm 84:11b No good thing will He withhold from them that walk
uprightly.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,
saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an
expected end.

Mark 7:37b He hath done all things well.

Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good
pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

2 Timothy 1:12b For I know Whom I have believed, and am

persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which

hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus
Christ.

5. Yieldedness to the Lord's will is the key to

being able to accept changes gracefully.
1 Samuel 3:18b It is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good.

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy law is

within my heart.

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, Thou art our Father; we are the clay,
and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand.

Jeremiah 42:6a Whether it be good, or whether it be evil [difficult],

we will obey the voice of the Lord our God.
 Matthew 6:10b Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. [Also
Luke 11:2b.] [See also Adaptability, #8.]

6. During times of change, we must do two

things: forget the past and keep our eyes on
the goal ahead.
Philippians 3:13,14 Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which
are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen,
but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen
are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things Above, not on things on

the earth.

Hebrews 12:2a Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our
faith.

7. Jesus is our security in times of change.

Hebrews 6:19a Which hope [in God] we have as an anchor of the
soul, both sure and stedfast.

Hebrews 13:5b He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee.

Psalm 139:9-10 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in

the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall Thy hand lead
me, and Thy right hand shall hold me.
 Romans 8:38,39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ
Jesus our Lord.