The council members were astonished as they witnessed the bold courage of Peter and John, especially when they discovered that they were just ordinary men who had never had religious training. Then they began to understand the effect Jesus had on them simply by spending time with him. Acts 4:13 (The Passion Translation, TPT)

We all try hard to change ourselves or to avoid committing the same sin over and over. We try not to lose our tempers. We try to forgive people who hurt us. We try self-help tactics, 12 step programs, resolutions, diet plans, or sincere promises to never “do it again.” What happens? We fail time and time again, because the flesh is weak.

However, as we simply choose to spend time with Jesus by staying in His Word and in His presence, He begins to do a deep work in us. He transforms our hearts, thoughts, attitudes, words, behaviors, responses, and choices. They begin to line up with His will, and we begin to take steps of victory. As we allow God to do His work in us, things change from the inside out, and strongholds lose their grip on us.

God changes us little by little, line upon line, from glory to glory. So, instead of getting discouraged and giving up, just spend more time with Jesus on a consistent basis. You will see supernatural change that can only come from being with the Lord. And if there is something that you struggle with a great deal, invest more time with Jesus and He will address it, making the changes you desire. You will notice the difference, and others will too.