If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

— Romans 8:10

I used to think that becoming a new person in Christ meant I had to change myself—clean up, perform better, strive harder. But that left me exhausted and frustrated. The truth is that we’re not called to muster up new life in our own strength. That’s the Holy Spirit’s role. Romans 8 reminds us that if Christ lives in us, then his Spirit breathes life into places that were once lifeless. The Spirit doesn’t just improve our old selves—he transforms us from the inside out. That’s powerful. It means we can stop trying to force change; instead, we can be open to what the Spirit wants to do in us. Whether you’re battling old habits, healing from deep wounds, or longing to change in new ways, take heart. You are not alone, and you are not powerless. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. That’s not just motivation—it’s resurrection power at work. Let today be about surrender, not striving. The Spirit knows what needs to go and what needs to grow. 

Holy Spirit, thank you for living in me and giving me new life. Help me to surrender today and to trust that you have the power to change and renew me. Amen.