A Work in Progress: Sanctified by the Spirit
- Amy E Smith
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
A new year often brings fresh calendars, clean planners, and quiet pressure to reinvent ourselves. We promise to do better, try harder, and finally become who we think we should be. But God’s work in us doesn’t hinge on the turn of a calendar page. Sanctification is not a resolution—it is a lifelong process.
From the moment we place our faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit begins a steady, faithful work within us. Not rushed. Not careless. He shapes us day by day, peeling back old layers and forming something new. We are not being remade overnight—we are being transformed over time.
Scripture reminds us of this ongoing call:
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”— Ephesians 4:22–24
Putting off the old self and putting on the new is not a one-time decision made on January 1st. It is a daily surrender. And growth—real growth—is rarely comfortable.
Sometimes sanctification feels less like inspiration and more like pruning.
Jesus speaks to this when He says:
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”— John 15:2
Pruning requires cutting away what is unhealthy, overgrown, or no longer serving its purpose. It can look harsh. It can feel painful. But it is always intentional. God removes what hinders growth so that what remains can flourish. What feels like loss may actually be preparation.
As a new year begins, it’s easy to feel discouraged by what hasn’t changed yet—old habits that linger, patterns you hoped would be gone by now, prayers that feel unanswered. But God is not measuring your progress the way you are. He is not frustrated by your weakness or surprised by your struggle.
You are not a finished product. You are a work in progress—held securely in His hands.
Scripture gives us this steady assurance:
“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
The Holy Spirit does not abandon His work. Even when growth feels slow, unseen, or costly, God is still moving. Still shaping. Still redeeming. The new year does not demand perfection—it invites faithfulness.
So as you step forward into what is ahead, do not give up. Keep trusting. Keep showing up. Keep allowing the Spirit to refine what needs refining and strengthen what is already growing.
God is not finished with you yet—and that is good news.
Reflection Questions for Sanctified by the Spirit
As you enter this new year, what areas of your life might God be gently pruning?
Are there habits, attitudes, or thought patterns from your "old self” that God may be asking you to release?
How does embracing sanctification as a process—not a resolution—change how you approach spiritual growth this year?
Looking back, where have you already seen God produce fruit through difficult or stretching seasons?
Path to Action
Begin this year by asking the Holy Spirit to reveal one area where God is inviting growth or surrender—no rush, just honesty.
Meditate daily on Ephesians 4:22–24, intentionally praying to “put on” the new self in your thoughts, words, and actions.
When growth feels slow or painful, remind yourself aloud: God is not finished with me yet.
Prayer
Lord,
As this new year begins, I thank You that my hope does not rest in my ability to change, but in Your faithfulness to transform. When pruning is painful, and progress feels slow, help me trust Your loving hands. Teach me to lay aside my old ways and walk in the new life You have given me through Christ. Strengthen me by the power of the Holy Spirit, and remind me that You will complete the good work You have begun. I place this year, my growth, and my future fully in Your care. Amen.
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