God’s Transformation: Better Than Google’s Information
- Cara Blondo
- Aug 17, 2025
- 2 min read
If you have also felt frustration and disappointment while pursuing spiritual growth, remember that genuine change happens only within a vibrant partnership with Jesus Christ.
On a bus trip to New York City, I enjoyed listening to the passengers’ animated conversations and excitement. But an exchange between two native New Yorkers grabbed my attention. One said, “I need to be more patient, so I Googled it. But patience is unteachable.” Her comment prompted me to write in my phone, “Don’t rely on Google for something only grace can shape.”
Like the woman on the bus seeking patience, most of us want to master the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23a). Yet, we struggle with maintaining these virtues. I, too, experienced the frustration of relying solely on willpower to achieve them, only to face disappointment in myself when I fell back into old habits.
If you have also felt frustration and disappointment while pursuing spiritual growth, remember that genuine change happens only within a vibrant partnership with Jesus Christ. But the Father doesn’t expect us to do it without His help. He equips us with the desire, and the Spirit empowers us to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13). Also, He promised to complete the work He began in us, never giving up on us or abandoning us (Philippians 1:6).
Scripture clarifies how to achieve the change we seek.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2, ESV). The Berean Study Bible commentary on Paul’s advice says that we can renew our minds by “... immersing oneself in Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, aligning one’s thoughts with God’s truth.”
In John 15:4, Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” To abide in Christ means staying close to Him, while trusting God to change and grow us.
Thus, real change comes from cooperating with God as He works in us. If your faith is in Christ, you are His, and God’s Spirit lives in you (Ephesians 1:13).
So, spiritual growth requires both divine power and our daily participation. Take heart: As you faithfully practice, God will faithfully work in you.
Sweet sisters in Christ, imagine how you would feel with fresh and lasting Spirit-fueled patience, kindness, or self-control! I encourage you to take a few new action steps this week to partner with God in your pursuit of spiritual growth. Consider sharing with another believer how you’ve changed since coming to know Christ, then celebrate those victories together! Today, pray for growth in a specific spiritual fruit, and determine how you can cooperate with the Holy Spirit to reach that goal.
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