In this episode, I'm going to be talking about walking by faith and not by sight, charting new territories of living on my own, and knowing that God is going to keep me.

As we step into a new year, many aim for change through resolutions and self-improvement. However, true transformation comes not from our own efforts but through the work of the Holy Spirit. According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, we are "being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Joel 2:12-13 reminds us that God desires inward change — a returning to Him with our hearts, not mere outward acts of repentance. Here are three key points to consider when reflecting on how the Holy Spirit brings newness in our lives:

1️⃣ The Holy Spirit Renews Our Hearts
The transformation we seek begins within. Joel 2:12-13 calls us to "rend our hearts and not our garments," showing that God desires sincere repentance. The Holy Spirit softens our hearts, convicts us of sin, and leads us to true renewal from the inside out.

2️⃣ The Holy Spirit Transforms Our Minds
2 Corinthians 3:18 highlights that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are progressively changed into His image. This renewal isn't a sudden change but a continuous process. The Spirit works on our thoughts, attitudes, and desires, aligning them with God's will.

3️⃣ The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Lasting Change
New Year's resolutions often fail because they rely on human strength. The Holy Spirit, however, provides divine power to sustain lasting change. He equips us to live out God’s purposes, turning our focus from temporary goals to eternal transformation.

As we journey through the new year, let’s embrace the truth that while the outward circumstances may remain the same, the Holy Spirit is actively working to make us new from within. When we surrender to His leading, we experience lasting change that reflects God's glory, transforming us into the people He created us to be.

The story of the father asking Jesus to help with his unbelief is found in Mark 9:14–29. In this passage, a man brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus, desperate for healing after the disciples were unable to cast out the spirit. When the father asks Jesus for help, he says, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus rebukes the conditional nature of the man’s request by saying, “If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes.” This prompts the father to cry out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” The father's plea highlights a crucial spiritual truth—even those who have faith can wrestle with doubt. The father's humility in acknowledging his struggle shows that rebuking unbelief is not about condemnation but about bringing our doubts honestly before God, seeking His help to strengthen our faith.

Jesus' response to the father's request emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and trust in God’s power. When we struggle with unbelief, it’s an opportunity for spiritual growth. Rebuking unbelief requires rejecting the mindset that doubts God’s ability or willingness to act on our behalf. It calls for a shift from self-reliance to full dependence on God's sovereignty. Like the father in the passage, believers must recognize that faith is not always perfect or complete, but God honors even imperfect trust when we sincerely seek Him. By confessing our doubts and asking God to help us overcome them, we experience His grace and power, which strengthens our trust in His promises and deepens our relationship with Him.