The Power to Change: Mastering the Habits That Matter Most

by Craig Groeschel

Whoever it is that you want to become or stop being, whatever it is that you want to do or stop doing, you need more than willpower. You need God’s power.

When we allow God to change the way we think, it will change how we act.

how you think about everything impacts everything.

You renew your mind by internalizing Bible verses. As the psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:11). Pick some verses that speak to: Who you want to become A sin you want to leave behind The habit you want to establish The goal you want to accomplish

If you renew your mind—before the moment—you will be ready with God’s power in the moment.

How do you walk by the Spirit so in that moment of opportunity or temptation, you’re plugged into God’s power? Two R words need to happen before the moment: renew and remain. Two A words need to happen in the moment: acknowledge and ask.

Acknowledging “I can’t” is the path to possessing a power you don’t possess.

God is a good Father who loves you, has what you need, and is just waiting for you to ask.

Principle 27 If you renew and remain before the moment, and if you acknowledge and ask in the moment, you will have God’s power to walk by the Spirit. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. —John 15:4–5 NLT

As you take steps, you will trip. So what should you do when you fall? Get back up and keep walking. You’re new at this. Falling isn’t failure. You’re learning and growing.

When you’re winning, you’re winning. When you’re losing, you’re learning. Just

You are walking, not running. Paul did not say we run with the Spirit. We walk in the Spirit.

You can get unstuck. You. You who could never do it before. You. You’ll be doing it! But it won’t be you. It will be God. Through you. You can change! Your life can be transformed. You can’t. But he can.

walk in love

Principle 28 When you’re winning, you’re winning. When you’re losing, you’re learning. And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. —Colossians 2:6–7 NLT

Appendix Identity Statements and Bible Verses Sought after (Isa. 62:12) Precious in his sight (Isa. 43:4) A new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17) Not condemned (Rom. 8:1) Forgiven (Col. 1:14) Loved (1 John 3:1) Accepted (Rom. 15:7) A child of God (John 1:12) Jesus’ friend (John 15:14) Free (John 8:36) The temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19) God’s treasured possession (Deut. 7:6) Complete in Christ (Col. 2:10 NLT) Chosen (Col. 3:12) Called (2 Tim. 1:9) An ambassador of the Most High God (2 Cor. 5:20) God’s masterpiece (Eph. 2:10 NLT) Able to do all things through Christ, who gives you strength (Phil. 4:13) More than a conqueror through Jesus, who loves you (Rom. 8:37)