If you want to go on a journey. If you're skeptical, don't worry. Not here to preach. I'm gonna keep it clean and talk to me and recall where faith meets falls of nature and get in touch with your creator with a bacon, love and jew She even speaks Hebrew. What's that, Gotzato? What's that? This? Well sabosation? You should talking transformation? What's that? Gonzato?

If you want to go on a journey. If you're skeptical, don't worry. Not here to preach. I'm gonna keep it clean and talk to me and recall where faith meets falls of nature and get in touch with your creator with a bacon, love and jew She even speaks Hebrew. What's that, Gotzato? What's that? This? Well sabosation? You should talking transformation? What's that? Gonzato?

Hey? Hey, and welcome back to what's God got to do with it? And today we've got another powerful question from one of our listeners, one that I'm guessing a lot of us have wrestled with. And here's what they asked. So, she wrote, I pray, I genuinely want to change, but I keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Why is that? And how do I actually break free from this cycle? And so, first of all, this is such a great question. If you've ever felt like this, I want you to know you are so not alone. It's the same thing you know I go through as well. I'm like, hey, I'm praying about this, like why are some habits harder to break than others? And so let's be real, there's nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck in a cycle that you desperately want to break. So, whether it's unhealthy eating habits, or toxic relationships or you know, self sabotage, you know, negative self talker, falling back into the same old patterns of fear and out, we find ourselves asking why am I still here? Why am I still stuck in this cycle? And like I said, I've been there, and I've had moments of praying being like God, I don't want to keep doing this and I know better and I want to change, and yet somehow I'd find myself back in the same struggle. But here's what I want you to hear today. You are not broken, you are not beyond hope, and this pattern does not have to be your future. So in today's episode, we're going to break this down into why our brains keep us stuck in cycles even when our hearts want to change, how to identify the subconscious patterns that might be running the show, and then what the Bible says about renewing our minds and how the Holy Spirit actually has the power to transform us. So, if you've ever felt frustrated or ashamed or just plain exhausted from fighting the same battle over and over. You are in the right place, So grab your coffee, your tea, get comfy, and let's dive on in. So why do we keep repeating the same mistakes? Well, first things first, this is not just a will power issue, right, And so often we think like, if I just try harder, if I just you know, have more discipline, if I just pray more, then I'll stop doing this. But real lasting change isn't just about trying harder. It's about understanding why you're stuck in the first place. And so there are three reasons that I want to share that we repeat the same mistakes. And this is not just like an all encompassing list, it's just three reasons that I want to share with you. So reason number one is your brain loves some familiarity.

Hey? Hey, and welcome back to what's God got to do with it? And today we've got another powerful question from one of our listeners, one that I'm guessing a lot of us have wrestled with. And here's what they asked. So, she wrote, I pray, I genuinely want to change, but I keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Why is that? And how do I actually break free from this cycle? And so, first of all, this is such a great question. If you've ever felt like this, I want you to know you are so not alone. It's the same thing you know I go through as well. I'm like, hey, I'm praying about this, like why are some habits harder to break than others? And so let's be real, there's nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck in a cycle that you desperately want to break. So, whether it's unhealthy eating habits, or toxic relationships or you know, self sabotage, you know, negative self talker, falling back into the same old patterns of fear and out, we find ourselves asking why am I still here? Why am I still stuck in this cycle? And like I said, I've been there, and I've had moments of praying being like God, I don't want to keep doing this and I know better and I want to change, and yet somehow I'd find myself back in the same struggle. But here's what I want you to hear today. You are not broken, you are not beyond hope, and this pattern does not have to be your future. So in today's episode, we're going to break this down into why our brains keep us stuck in cycles even when our hearts want to change, how to identify the subconscious patterns that might be running the show, and then what the Bible says about renewing our minds and how the Holy Spirit actually has the power to transform us. So, if you've ever felt frustrated or ashamed or just plain exhausted from fighting the same battle over and over. You are in the right place, So grab your coffee, your tea, get comfy, and let's dive on in. So why do we keep repeating the same mistakes? Well, first things first, this is not just a will power issue, right, And so often we think like, if I just try harder, if I just you know, have more discipline, if I just pray more, then I'll stop doing this. But real lasting change isn't just about trying harder. It's about understanding why you're stuck in the first place. And so there are three reasons that I want to share that we repeat the same mistakes. And this is not just like an all encompassing list, it's just three reasons that I want to share with you. So reason number one is your brain loves some familiarity.

Right.

Right.

Your brain is wired for efficiency, and it loves to repeat familiar patterns because that requires less energy. And so if you've been doing something for a long time, whether it's turning to food for comfort or people pleasing, or numbing out with social media, maybe just procrastinating when you feel overwhelmed, your brain has learned that pattern. And even if it's not good for you. Your brain likes it because it's predictable, and so think of it like a well worn hiking trail in the woods. If you've walked that same path a thousand times, it's automatic. But choosing a new path that takes effort right. And so when you try to break a habit, your brain resists, not just because you're incapable of change, but because your brain is just trying to stick to what it knows. Okay, the reason number two is your subconscious beliefs might be running the show. So so much of what we do isn't actually conscious. It's driven by deep seated beliefs that we don't even realize that we have. So for example, if deep down you believe you know I'm not worthy of love, you might keep choosing relationships that reinforce that belief. And if you believe I'll never really change, you might unconsciously sabotage your progress whenever you start to grow. And these subconscious beliefs act like a program running in the background of your life, and so you might be praying for change, but if your subconscious belief system contradicts what you're praying for, you will absolutely slip back. Into old patterns and habits. And as I always say, you can't outsmart, you can't outwork, you can't outwillpower your brain, your self image, and your subconscious beliefs. Okay, the next reason is there's a spiritual battle at play. So let's not forget the He loves to keep us stuck, right, John ten Ten says, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the fall, or some versions say have it abundantly. And the enemy knows that if he can keep you trapped in the same cycle of shame and fear and frustration, he can steal your confidence and kill your momentum and destroy your hope. And that's why this isn't just a behavior problem, it's a spiritual battle to and so let's talk about what the Bible says about transformation. And so the good news is you are not stuck, and you are not powerless, and God has already made a way for you to step into freedom. And so Romans twelve two says, do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So let's break this down. I know this is one of the most common verses, and you know, popular verses in the Bible, but let's break it down. So do not conform to the pattern of this world. This means we don't have to stay stuck in the patterns that we've learned from culture or our past, or even our own fears, right, and then be transformed. The Greek word for that, the etymology of transformed here is metamorphou, which is where we get the word metamorphosis, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. And so this isn't about tweaking a few behaviors. This is about a total transformation. We've got to transform beyond these habits, right by the renewing of your mind, it says, right, So the key to transformation isn't just willpower, it's renewing your mind. And here's where faith in neuroscience intersect, because your mind can actually be rewired. And so how do we actually break free and how do we move from wanting to change to actually becoming new. Well, without going too deep into it, because it's a bit beyond the scope of this episode, but it's about identifying the root of the pattern, and so you can simply ask yourself, like, what is this pattern protecting me from? And so sometimes our behaviors they actually serve a purpose, even if that purpose doesn't feel good. Right, But maybe your habit of numbing out with TV is really about avoiding feelings, you know, feelings of unworthiness or feelings of you know, feeling behind or anxiety. Right, maybe procrastination is a form of self protection because you fear failure. And when you get to the root, you can start addressing the why not just the one?

Your brain is wired for efficiency, and it loves to repeat familiar patterns because that requires less energy. And so if you've been doing something for a long time, whether it's turning to food for comfort or people pleasing, or numbing out with social media, maybe just procrastinating when you feel overwhelmed, your brain has learned that pattern. And even if it's not good for you. Your brain likes it because it's predictable, and so think of it like a well worn hiking trail in the woods. If you've walked that same path a thousand times, it's automatic. But choosing a new path that takes effort right. And so when you try to break a habit, your brain resists, not just because you're incapable of change, but because your brain is just trying to stick to what it knows. Okay, the reason number two is your subconscious beliefs might be running the show. So so much of what we do isn't actually conscious. It's driven by deep seated beliefs that we don't even realize that we have. So for example, if deep down you believe you know I'm not worthy of love, you might keep choosing relationships that reinforce that belief. And if you believe I'll never really change, you might unconsciously sabotage your progress whenever you start to grow. And these subconscious beliefs act like a program running in the background of your life, and so you might be praying for change, but if your subconscious belief system contradicts what you're praying for, you will absolutely slip back. Into old patterns and habits. And as I always say, you can't outsmart, you can't outwork, you can't outwillpower your brain, your self image, and your subconscious beliefs. Okay, the next reason is there's a spiritual battle at play. So let's not forget the He loves to keep us stuck, right, John ten Ten says, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the fall, or some versions say have it abundantly. And the enemy knows that if he can keep you trapped in the same cycle of shame and fear and frustration, he can steal your confidence and kill your momentum and destroy your hope. And that's why this isn't just a behavior problem, it's a spiritual battle to and so let's talk about what the Bible says about transformation. And so the good news is you are not stuck, and you are not powerless, and God has already made a way for you to step into freedom. And so Romans twelve two says, do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So let's break this down. I know this is one of the most common verses, and you know, popular verses in the Bible, but let's break it down. So do not conform to the pattern of this world. This means we don't have to stay stuck in the patterns that we've learned from culture or our past, or even our own fears, right, and then be transformed. The Greek word for that, the etymology of transformed here is metamorphou, which is where we get the word metamorphosis, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. And so this isn't about tweaking a few behaviors. This is about a total transformation. We've got to transform beyond these habits, right by the renewing of your mind, it says, right, So the key to transformation isn't just willpower, it's renewing your mind. And here's where faith in neuroscience intersect, because your mind can actually be rewired. And so how do we actually break free and how do we move from wanting to change to actually becoming new. Well, without going too deep into it, because it's a bit beyond the scope of this episode, but it's about identifying the root of the pattern, and so you can simply ask yourself, like, what is this pattern protecting me from? And so sometimes our behaviors they actually serve a purpose, even if that purpose doesn't feel good. Right, But maybe your habit of numbing out with TV is really about avoiding feelings, you know, feelings of unworthiness or feelings of you know, feeling behind or anxiety. Right, maybe procrastination is a form of self protection because you fear failure. And when you get to the root, you can start addressing the why not just the one?

Right.

Right.

The Bible also tells us to take every thought captive. So Tewod Corinthians ten to five says, we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And this means that you don't just have to accept every thought that pops into your head as truth or as gospel. You can question it and you can challenge it, and you can replace it with new beliefs and new truth, and you can rewire your brain with God's truth because your brain follows what you repeat. And so the more you meditate on scripture, the more your mind lie literally rewires itself to align with truth. And so, you know, just start small, like choose one verse that counteracts your biggest struggle and write it down and just say it out loud every day, read through it, and of course rely on the Holy Spirit, right, not just self control, where Zachariah four to six says not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty. And so this isn't about white knuckling your way to change, right, It's about surrender. And when you invite the Holy Spirit into your struggle, he empowers you in ways that your willpower never really could write. And so again, like I want you to look at it, like, yes, there is an element of free will, and really like taking those thoughts captive and you know, rewiring your brain and your self image and your and your identity. But then it's about the part that has nothing to do with you, like the surrender and giving it to God and letting God transform things in a way that you as a human can. Right. So here's what I want you to take away from this, again really emphasizing, because I think we think that when we have these habits that we can't grow past. We think we're broken, like I know I did, and we think we're beyond hope. But you're not broken. You're not beyond hope and you don't have to stay stuck.

The Bible also tells us to take every thought captive. So Tewod Corinthians ten to five says, we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And this means that you don't just have to accept every thought that pops into your head as truth or as gospel. You can question it and you can challenge it, and you can replace it with new beliefs and new truth, and you can rewire your brain with God's truth because your brain follows what you repeat. And so the more you meditate on scripture, the more your mind lie literally rewires itself to align with truth. And so, you know, just start small, like choose one verse that counteracts your biggest struggle and write it down and just say it out loud every day, read through it, and of course rely on the Holy Spirit, right, not just self control, where Zachariah four to six says not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty. And so this isn't about white knuckling your way to change, right, It's about surrender. And when you invite the Holy Spirit into your struggle, he empowers you in ways that your willpower never really could write. And so again, like I want you to look at it, like, yes, there is an element of free will, and really like taking those thoughts captive and you know, rewiring your brain and your self image and your and your identity. But then it's about the part that has nothing to do with you, like the surrender and giving it to God and letting God transform things in a way that you as a human can. Right. So here's what I want you to take away from this, again really emphasizing, because I think we think that when we have these habits that we can't grow past. We think we're broken, like I know I did, and we think we're beyond hope. But you're not broken. You're not beyond hope and you don't have to stay stuck.

Right.

Right.

Your brain might have just gotten wired for certain patterns, but God has given you everything you need to renew your mind and your subconscious beliefs may be holding you back, but the Holy Spirit is in the business of transformation. And so instead of beating yourself up for repeating the same mistakes, just again start asking yourself, what is this pattern trying to tell me? What lie am I believing that's keeping me stuck? And what truth does God want me to replace it with? Because when you change your thoughts, you absolutely will change your life. So thank you so much for joining me today for our Ask the God Pod series here on the God Pod, And if you have a question you want me to tackle in a future episode, just send it on over my way. You can head on over to What's God Got to Do with It dot com to do that, and we'll be back for another listener question next week. So until then, have a great week. Bye. We'll be back with more What's God Got to Do with It? But in the meantime, I would definitely love to hear from you, so just tell me where you are in your story or maybe what questions you have, like where do you feel you need clarity or support or wisdom in your own journey? I definitely want to hear from you, So head on over to What's God Got to Do with It? Dot com and scroll down to the form to share your thoughts, your questions, your feedback, and you can do that instantly. So What's God Got to Do with It? Dot Com? You'll find all the ways to do that. And if you like this podcast and want to hear more, go ahead and follow, like, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to get your weekly dose of What's God Got to Do with It? New episodes drop every single Tuesday. And while you're there, are you sure to rate and review to show your support? It really means so much. What's God Got to Do With It? Is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast Network. It's written and hosted by me Leanne Ellington, executive produced by Elizabeth Fozio, post production and editing by Houston Tilley, and original music written by Cheryl Stark and produced by Adam Stark

Your brain might have just gotten wired for certain patterns, but God has given you everything you need to renew your mind and your subconscious beliefs may be holding you back, but the Holy Spirit is in the business of transformation. And so instead of beating yourself up for repeating the same mistakes, just again start asking yourself, what is this pattern trying to tell me? What lie am I believing that's keeping me stuck? And what truth does God want me to replace it with? Because when you change your thoughts, you absolutely will change your life. So thank you so much for joining me today for our Ask the God Pod series here on the God Pod, And if you have a question you want me to tackle in a future episode, just send it on over my way. You can head on over to What's God Got to Do with It dot com to do that, and we'll be back for another listener question next week. So until then, have a great week. Bye. We'll be back with more What's God Got to Do with It? But in the meantime, I would definitely love to hear from you, so just tell me where you are in your story or maybe what questions you have, like where do you feel you need clarity or support or wisdom in your own journey? I definitely want to hear from you, So head on over to What's God Got to Do with It? Dot com and scroll down to the form to share your thoughts, your questions, your feedback, and you can do that instantly. So What's God Got to Do with It? Dot Com? You'll find all the ways to do that. And if you like this podcast and want to hear more, go ahead and follow, like, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts to get your weekly dose of What's God Got to Do with It? New episodes drop every single Tuesday. And while you're there, are you sure to rate and review to show your support? It really means so much. What's God Got to Do With It? Is an iHeartRadio podcast on the Amy Brown Podcast Network. It's written and hosted by me Leanne Ellington, executive produced by Elizabeth Fozio, post production and editing by Houston Tilley, and original music written by Cheryl Stark and produced by Adam Stark