Day 3: Trying vs. Training

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Devotional: 

Want to be transformed? Here’s the hard truth: You can’t be who you’re going to be and who you used to be at the same time. Transformation doesn’t work that way. Like hitting the treadmill while eating a box of donuts—you won’t get very far. Transformation requires surrender, not just effort. It’s not about trying to be better, it’s about training. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do in you.

When we say, “Come, Holy Spirit, do what You want to do,” we’re giving Him permission to change us from the inside out, to wake up the dry bones, and to reveal what needs to be pruned, strengthened, or healed. This is where spiritual disciplines come into play.

Here’s a simple definition of a spiritual discipline: Any practice that helps you gain the power to live the life Jesus wants you to live. 

Training with spiritual disciplines is not about religious obligation; it’s about access to supernatural strength. Prayer, fasting, studying the Word, worship, solitude—these aren’t just nice habits. They are ways to tap into the spiritual power we desperately need because willpower isn’t enough.

Willpower might get you to the gym. It might help you lift some weights, stick to a diet, or wake up early. But when it comes to changing your heart, reshaping your character, or breaking patterns of sin—willpower will fail every time. God knows that. That’s why He gives us spiritual disciplines—not to prove ourselves to Him, but to receive from Him the power we need to live the Spirit-filled life we’re called to live. 

Spiritual disciplines aren’t about making God love you more. He already loves you. They don’t make you more worthy. You’re already accepted by grace. But they do help you experience the fullness of the life He has for you. They position you to overflow instead of running on empty. So, stop trying and start training. Keep showing up. Keep surrendering. No days off.

Questions: 

1. Where have you been relying on willpower instead of the Holy Spirit?
2. What spiritual discipline do you need to lean into right now?
3. How can you make space for God’s power to work in you today?

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, I can’t do this on my own. I don’t just want to try harder—I want to be transformed. Train me, shape me, fill me with your power so I can live the life You’ve called me to live. I surrender. No days off. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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