Transformation is a word we hear often in Christian circles. We talk about being changed, renewed, and made new. But what does transformation really mean—and where does it begin?
In Be Transformed – New Life Awaits by John Robin Murphy, John shares a powerful truth: real change doesn’t start with behavior—it starts with the heart. His testimony is a vivid illustration of how surface-level solutions, no matter how well-intentioned, ultimately fail unless the heart is addressed first.
John tried everything to fix his life. He pursued success, relationships, hobbies, and even started his own business—all in an effort to feel whole. But each attempt left him more empty than before. Even after becoming a Christian, he found that the excitement of salvation eventually gave way to familiar feelings of depression, anger, and spiritual dryness.
Why? Because the root issues in his heart had not yet been surrendered to God.
This is the spiritual principle at the core of transformation: God desires to change us from the inside out. Romans 12:2 urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds—not just our habits. That renewal begins when we allow God to expose the hidden places in our hearts, the wounds we’ve buried, and the lies we’ve believed.
John’s breakthrough came when he stopped trying to manage his behavior and started inviting God into the deeper places of his heart. Through prayer, confession, and forgiveness, he began to clear the way for God’s work. He forgave those who had hurt him. He repented of comfort-seeking behaviors that had become idols. And he surrendered his desire for control.
Each step required humility, honesty, and a willingness to let go of self-protection. But the result was profound: peace, clarity, and a renewed connection with God.
This kind of transformation is available to all of us. But it requires more than effort—it requires surrender. We must be willing to clear the clutter from our hearts: unforgiveness, shame, fear, pride, and anything else that blocks God’s presence. Only then can we experience the fullness of His healing and the joy of walking in His purpose.
If you’ve been striving for change but feel stuck, ask yourself: Have I invited God into the root issues of my heart? Am I trying to change from the outside in, or am I allowing Him to transform me from the inside out?
The journey of transformation begins with a simple prayer: “Lord, show me what’s in my heart that needs to be surrendered.” When you pray that prayer with sincerity, expect God to respond. He is faithful to heal, restore, and renew—if we’re willing to clear the way.