Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Jeremiah 13:23 (NKJV)
Some people read today’s verse and assume it means that we’re incapable of change. First, I want to point out that this is an Old Testament verse. We live in New Testament times, and we benefit from what Jesus did for us.
When you gave your life to Jesus, an incredible event took place. You became a child of God (Romans 8:14).
So…what does a child of God look like? Barely getting by? Hanging in there until you make heaven one day? No, this Christian life is far more than we can imagine, and it’s not about you trying to become something.
Second, today’s verse is actually about who you are inside, spiritually speaking. Before you gave your life to Christ, you had the nature of sin and Satan as your identity. You had no ability to change that fact on your own strength. But through accepting Christ, you became a new creation. You now have the nature of God and you’re in His family.
Why is this important? Because when you want to make changes in your life, you need to realize that you’re not trying to become something you’re not. You aren’t trying to become more like God. You are like Him! You have His nature! What you need to do is become more aware of who you are in Him.
As you continue to read this devotional, remember that true change comes from God’s Word through a powerful process of epiphanies. Keep going, because you’re going to find yourself saying, “Oh, this is who I am! This is what I can do! These are my rights and this is my inheritance!”