I am so excited to begin our Spiritual Renewal and Growth study with you! If you do not have the Journal yet - it's available on Amazon but it will take a few days to ship – so if you want it right now – you can buy the printable/digital version at 30% off —> here.
Many of us reach a point in our faith journey where we feel stuck, unsure how to grow closer to God or deepen our spiritual lives. This stagnation can lead to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and even doubt. Yet, God’s desire for us is not to remain where we are but to continually grow and be transformed into the image of Christ.
The journey of spiritual renewal is not about striving harder; it’s about allowing God to work in our hearts and minds. This week, we’ll explore how God brings transformation and renewal, equipping us to live out our faith with purpose and passion.
Join me for week 1's video as we discuss this weeks study and take a deeper look at The Journey of Renewal >> HERE.
Spiritual stagnation often happens when life’s busyness crowds out time with God. Prayer becomes sporadic, reading Scripture feels dry, and worship becomes routine. For some, past disappointments or unmet expectations can make it difficult to trust God fully, while others may feel unsure of how to move forward in their faith.
Stagnation isn’t the end of the story. God invites us into a journey of renewal, promising to transform us from the inside out. This transformation begins with surrender, as we allow Him to shape our hearts, renew our minds, and guide our steps.
Romans 12:2 offers a blueprint for renewal:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV
This verse highlights that transformation begins in the mind. By rejecting the world’s values and embracing God’s truth, we open ourselves to His renewing work. Renewal is an ongoing process, requiring intentional focus on God’s Word and His ways.
2 Corinthians 5:17 emphasizes the new life we have in Christ:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Through Christ, we are made new, no longer defined by our past or bound by our old ways of thinking. This new identity is the foundation for spiritual renewal and growth.
Spiritual renewal requires intentionality and trust in God’s work. It begins with recognizing areas of stagnation and surrendering them to Him. Instead of striving to “fix” ourselves, we allow God to do the transforming work in our hearts and minds.
Renewal also involves cultivating habits that draw us closer to God. Regular prayer, Bible study, and worship create space for God to speak and work in our lives. These practices don’t earn us transformation—they position us to receive it.
Finally, renewal requires a shift in perspective. Instead of focusing on where we fall short, we fix our eyes on Jesus, trusting that He will complete the work He has begun in us. This journey is not about perfection but about progress, as we take steps of faith and allow God to lead.
Evaluate Your Heart: Take time to reflect on areas where you feel stagnant or disconnected from God. Pray for His guidance in identifying what may be holding you back.
Renew Your Mind: Commit to spending time in Scripture each day. Start with passages like Romans 12:2 or 2 Corinthians 5:17, meditating on how they apply to your life.
Engage in Worship: Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God, renewing our hearts and filling us with gratitude. Whether through singing, journaling, or silent reflection, let worship be a regular part of your life.
Seek Accountability: Share your journey with a trusted friend, mentor, or small group. Accountability provides encouragement and support as you pursue spiritual renewal.
Celebrate Small Steps: Recognize and thank God for the progress you see, no matter how small. Each step of growth is evidence of His transforming work in your life.
Spiritual renewal is not a quick fix—it’s a lifelong journey. As you pursue renewal, remember that God is patient, and His grace covers every step. Transformation may not always feel immediate, but His work is constant and faithful.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us of this promise:
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 NIV
Trust that God is at work, even when you don’t see it. The journey of renewal is one of hope, as we grow closer to Him and experience His power in every area of our lives.
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into a journey of renewal. I confess that I sometimes feel stuck or unsure of how to grow closer to You. Teach me to surrender my heart and mind to Your transforming work. Renew my spirit, align my thoughts with Your truth, and help me to walk in the new life You’ve given me. Thank You for Your faithfulness and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You can download our Introduction to Inductive Bible Study if you would like to learn more.
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Have a wonderful week – I’ll see you back here on the blog this Sunday as we start week 2 of our study: The Role of the Holy Spirit!
Grace and peace,
Alicia
It’s not too late to join us!
The Spiritual Renewal and Growth Journal is available on Amazon!
If you’d like to purchase a digital copy
(so you have it right away) at 30% off
click HERE.
If you'd like to download the FREE Spiritual Renewal and Growth Bible study reading plan along with study, reflection, and practical application questions and a few other bonuses, click HERE.
Don't forget about our CWC Club Community. It's a special group of women who connect and study God's word together. Experience an upgraded, private, smaller community with exclusive resources not available anywhere else, including weekly live Zoom Bible study meetings. You can find out more HERE.