If you’re like me, there have been times—maybe many times—in your walk with Christ when you have questioned whether you were going to make it. We all know that we’re supposed to expect trouble in this life; Jesus made that clear. But when our problems come from within us and seem unrelenting, it can be easy to begin to feel demoralized, even defeated.
There’s an unconscious assumption that when we become Christians, we’re instantly and irrevocably transformed. That’s true but incomplete. Salvation is a three-phase process: Justification, Sanctification, and Redemption. We love the first and third. The second? Not so much.
Justification is the start. By grace through faith, we’re forgiven, our sins wiped away. We didn’t earn it and we don’t deserve it, but Jesus took our ruin and handed us His righteousness. Baptism marks this—joining Jesus in death and rising to new life (Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Given the Holy Spirit, we’re “born again,” a down payment on the future resurrection. That’s phase three, Redemption, when our bodies are pulled from the grave, glorified like His.
Justification gets a lot of focus—so does Redemption. No surprise, really. The start and the end—who wouldn’t want to dwell on the thrill of forgiveness or the hope of eternal life? But here’s the thing: most of our life is spent in Sanctification. That middle phase? That’s where we grow.
Sanctification is where the work begins. It’s the space between the “before” and “after” picture—days of sweat, setbacks, and incremental growth. Sanctification is a trial. It’s pain. You don’t become something new without breaking down the old. That’s why Paul said to, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” There’s be no fear and trembling if it were easy.
In Sanctification, we’re slowly shaped into Christ’s image (Romans 8:29). It’s about stripping away the old, unholy self and being made new—often through suffering, discipline, and the daily fight against our sinful nature (Colossians 3:5-10).
Sanctification isn’t passive. It’s a partnership with God. He works in us, reshaping our hearts and minds (Philippians 1:6). But we have skin in the game, too. We’ve got to choose to act, to align with His will. We “put off” the old self and “put on” the new (Ephesians 4:22-24). It’s a battle—choosing love over hate, patience over anger, humility over pride.
There’s nothing glamorous about it. There are no shortcuts. No overnight transformations. One day, you’re moving forward. The next, you’re falling back. But that doesn’t mean God’s not at work. James 1:2-4 tells us to see trials for what they are—testing that builds perseverance.
Like working out, progress isn’t linear. There are setbacks and frustrations. But with faith and consistency, growth comes. Sanctification pushes through those moments, trusting that God is working in you, even when it’s hard to see.
Sanctification isn’t something to dread. It’s the path. It’s what shapes us, chiseling away the rough edges. Yes, it’s painful. But it’s where we draw closest to Christ. It’s where we lean on His grace and watch Him work in us. We’re not just waiting for the future glory—we’re being shaped to reflect Him now.
When it gets tough when the trials seem endless, know that you’re being transformed. This process is evidence of God’s faithfulness. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17, “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Sanctification is tough. But it’s worth it. Keep grinding and keep growing. God’s not done with you yet.
- Remy
Memory Verse:
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:11
Reflection:
Each day, take 5 minutes to reflect on how God is working in you. Identify areas where you're being challenged to "put off" the old self and "put on" the new. Pray for God's guidance to help you align your actions with His will.
Action:
Identify One Old Habit to Put Off
Choose one habit or sin that you know is hindering your growth. Make a conscious effort to put it off this week. Ask a trusted friend or mentor for accountability to help you in this process.
Create a Sanctification "Battle Plan"
Develop a plan for actively partnering with God in your sanctification. Write down one way you can "put on" the new self daily—whether it’s choosing patience, humility, or generosity in your interactions.
Memorize Scripture to Stay Focused
Commit to memorizing Hebrews 12:11 this week. When you face trials or setbacks, recite it to yourself to remind yourself of God's promises and the bigger picture of your transformation.
Celebrate Small Victories
At the end of each week, look back and identify one area where you’ve made progress. Celebrate that growth, no matter how small it may seem, and give thanks to God for His faithfulness in shaping you.