Not Who I Used to Be
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Every follower of Jesus has a story. Some stories look dramatic, with visible changes that everyone notices right away. Other stories unfold slowly as God reshapes habits, desires, and attitudes over time. No matter how the transformation begins, the result always points to the same truth. When someone truly encounters Jesus, something shifts. You do not stay who you were. You begin to walk, talk, think, and live in ways that reflect the change happening inside you.
Scripture is full of examples of people whose lives were turned upside down after meeting Jesus. A fisherman became a bold preacher. A tax collector walked away from greed. A woman caught in shame found dignity. A man controlled by darkness was restored to his right mind. None of these shifts came from self-improvement. They came from the power of a Savior who changes people from the inside out. The transformation was so real that others could not help but notice.
That same work continues today. You may not feel like a completely different person every moment, but God is shaping you more than you realize. The words that used to spill out without thought now give you pause. Choices you once made without conviction now feel heavy. Desires that used to rule your life slowly lose their pull. These are not small things. They are signs that Jesus is forming something new within you. Transformation becomes visible not because you force it but because He produces it.
Some people around you may still remember who you used to be. They may expect the old reactions or the old patterns. Do not let their memory define your identity. God sees who you are becoming, not who you were. Your past may explain you, but it no longer defines you. Every step of obedience, every moment of surrender, and every fresh desire for righteousness reveals the ongoing work of Christ inside you.
If you ever wonder whether God is changing you, look back for a moment. Notice the things that no longer hold you. Notice the growth that once felt impossible. Notice the peace that has slowly taken root where fear used to live. You are not who you used to be. Jesus is writing a new story in your life, and the evidence of that story is growing more visible every day.
Every follower of Jesus has a story. Some stories look dramatic, with visible changes that everyone notices right away. Other stories unfold slowly as God reshapes habits, desires, and attitudes over time. No matter how the transformation begins, the result always points to the same truth. When someone truly encounters Jesus, something shifts. You do not stay who you were. You begin to walk, talk, think, and live in ways that reflect the change happening inside you.
Scripture is full of examples of people whose lives were turned upside down after meeting Jesus. A fisherman became a bold preacher. A tax collector walked away from greed. A woman caught in shame found dignity. A man controlled by darkness was restored to his right mind. None of these shifts came from self-improvement. They came from the power of a Savior who changes people from the inside out. The transformation was so real that others could not help but notice.
That same work continues today. You may not feel like a completely different person every moment, but God is shaping you more than you realize. The words that used to spill out without thought now give you pause. Choices you once made without conviction now feel heavy. Desires that used to rule your life slowly lose their pull. These are not small things. They are signs that Jesus is forming something new within you. Transformation becomes visible not because you force it but because He produces it.
Some people around you may still remember who you used to be. They may expect the old reactions or the old patterns. Do not let their memory define your identity. God sees who you are becoming, not who you were. Your past may explain you, but it no longer defines you. Every step of obedience, every moment of surrender, and every fresh desire for righteousness reveals the ongoing work of Christ inside you.
If you ever wonder whether God is changing you, look back for a moment. Notice the things that no longer hold you. Notice the growth that once felt impossible. Notice the peace that has slowly taken root where fear used to live. You are not who you used to be. Jesus is writing a new story in your life, and the evidence of that story is growing more visible every day.
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14 Comments
AMEN??
This is so true. My story is amazing on how far I have come thru so much in my short time here on earth. I just ask He takes the reins, and keeps getting me through this thing that I cant do on my own.
I have been set free from my sin, past I'm a new creature in the eyes of my Lord Jesus. Yup I'm not what I use to be. I don't drink any alcohol, don't smoke never have I don't go to bars. I have no desire to do any of those things. Since I have rebedicated my life to the lord. There isn't any reason to go to a bar. I'am a new creation in the eyes of my Lord. Am I perfect no, but one day I will. Christ guides me everyday as I have my devotions read my Bible and listen to Billy graham's messages of the past. They help me alot thats my me and God time. It had not been easy but through Christ all things are possible. Nope I'm not that guy any more my demons are behind me and so is my past. Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead and your life is hide with Christ in God. So my brother's and sisters. Always keep looking up.
I know your journey hasn’t been easy, but congratulations on how far you have come!! Continue to put your faith in God, give him your fears & doubts, and he will continually lead you through . Don’t give up & live day to day!! Proud of you!! You got this because he has you!!
Amen! Thank you!
Thank you Pastor Ed! Reminding me again that it’s on His timing. Not mine.
This is so true. Christmas Eve marked my 1 year return to church. CBC became that church after leaving the Catholic Church 5 years prior. I felt I wasn’t getting what I needed from it. Mind you…this was from birth to my 40’s. I went without a church for 5 years and felt lost. Decided I would try something new which was hard when you’ve basically been told your whole life, there is only the Catholic Church. I started watching online in fall of 2024. I loved it!! 12/24/24 was our first in person service at central. I was bawling while singing his praises! I felt like the Holy Spirit felt like I surrounded in a blanket of we missed you and welcome back!!
Thank you so much!! I am definitely gonna be looking into a group!! We have since moved from central campus to the East campus. The central campus was overwhelming to my parents whom I have gotten to start attending church again. They are not coming consistently, however, it is a start & I am grateful!!
KimH ... Praise the Lord for leading you to the online service at CBC and for your heart being open to "try something new"!! I know it's very scary to walk into a huge church like the Central Campus. I encourage you to find a small group you can join. They're just opening up for the Spring Semester and you can go to the Group Finder on CBCs website. I'm starting one in February but it's in Boerne. When you join a small group, and you attend church every week (meeting someone new each time you go) the church doesn't seem so large anymore. I'm very haPpY you found us, that you felt so welcome, and we are BLESSED to have you with us. You can find me on FB and I'd love to meet you at one of the 4 services on Sunday.
Thank you so much!! I am definitely gonna be looking into a group!! We have since moved from central campus to the East campus. The central campus was overwhelming to my parents whom I have gotten to start attending church again. They are not coming consistently, however, it is a start & I am grateful!!
I accidentally submitted before I was finished. I have been attending services religiously in the past year and have only missed maybe a handful of in person services. If I couldn’t make it I would watch online. I am applying the sermon to my life, learning so much, and applying it to my life!! I have made so many changes to my life and have felt the change!! I only listen to worship music now, read my bible 4-6x a week which I had never done, I am mindful of what I am reading and watching now. My husband and I just finished week 2 of Equip at East campus! We have been volunteering with setup on Saturdays, serve at Saturday serves!! Thank you CBC for showing me what a church family should look like & for teaching me to live more like Christ!!
Thank you so much!! I am definitely gonna be looking into a group!! We have since moved from central campus to the East campus. The central campus was overwhelming to my parents whom I have gotten to start attending church again. They are not coming consistently, however, it is a start & I am grateful!!
KimH ... Praise the Lord for leading you to the online service at CBC and for your heart being open to "try something new"!! I know it's very scary to walk into a huge church like the Central Campus. I encourage you to find a small group you can join. They're just opening up for the Spring Semester and you can go to the Group Finder on CBCs website. I'm starting one in February but it's in Boerne. When you join a small group, and you attend church every week (meeting someone new each time you go) the church doesn't seem so large anymore. I'm very haPpY you found us, that you felt so welcome, and we are BLESSED to have you with us. You can find me on FB and I'd love to meet you at one of the 4 services on Sunday.
Thank you so much!! I am definitely gonna be looking into a group!! We have since moved from central campus to the East campus. The central campus was overwhelming to my parents whom I have gotten to start attending church again. They are not coming consistently, however, it is a start & I am grateful!!
❤️
Amen
This is actually playing out in my life more and more every day. I was just thanking/talking to God today for changing me so much that I really don’t recognize the new me. But I’m learning and loving more of it every day, humble and knowing he has good plans for not just me but anyone who calls his name. You may not even need to call his name, he may decide to pull you out the pit that your living in just because he knows the plans he has for your life are better than you could ever think or imagine. Thank you pastor Ed, I accept your words of blessings and encouragement as truth happening in my life. LG!!!!!
Before the testimony comes the test.