The Miracle of a Transformed Heart - Encouragement for Today - October 17, 2025

Audio By Carbonatix

October 17, 2025

The Miracle of a Transformed Heart
CARA BLONDO

Lee en español

“For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 (CSB)

I laughed as my teenage daughters drove away early that morning. We were on summer vacation at our favorite beach town, and they were determined to watch as many sunrises as possible. I chuckled at how eagerly they responded to their alarm clocks, knowing that in a few short weeks, it would be much more difficult for them to wake up for school.

There’s something captivating about watching the sunrise, isn’t there? The sun peeks over the horizon and then suddenly bursts forth, transforming the darkened sky into a canvas of breathtaking hues.

In a much larger sense, the transformation from darkness to light points to what God has been doing since the beginning of time. The creation account in Genesis opens with this miraculous act: The earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface, and the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. Then God spoke: “‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3, CSB).

It’s no surprise that when describing the miracle of a transformed heart, the Apostle Paul referenced this very moment of creation:

“For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Just as God spoke and created physical light to dispel darkness in the beginning, so, too, He speaks to us and shines the light of the gospel into our hearts where there was once only spiritual darkness.

This is just as miraculous as that first act of creation. By grace, God illuminates our hearts, enabling us to see His glory in Christ. Both creation and our spiritual transformation reveal God's power, grace, and sovereign purpose.

After their morning spent watching the sunrise, my daughters took a stroll along the beach, stopping at their favorite coffee shop. What they couldn’t do in the dark, they could now do in the light.

Similarly, before Christ’s light shone in our hearts, we could not know Him. But now, like the sunrise transforms the sky into a brilliant display of color, Christ has transformed our once-darkened hearts to reveal His Truth, grace, and love to all those around us.

What a miracle indeed! The next time you witness a sunrise, let it remind you of the greater miracle — Christ dispelling the darkness and transforming you into a new creation.

Let’s allow His light to continue shining in and through our lives as we reflect His breathtaking beauty. Amen?

Dear Jesus, thank You for shining Your light in my heart so I may know You. Just as Your creation takes my breath away, I’m in awe of the miracle that I am a new creation in You. Please continue to transform me so my life may reflect Your light and Your love more and more each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Today’s devotion is a direct excerpt from our newest resource, Let In the Light: 50 Devotions to Confidently Know God Is Good and Guiding Your Steps. This isn’t just another devotional. It’s a daily reminder that no matter how dark or uncertain things may feel, God’s light is steady. Each entry is filled with powerful Scripture, biblical wisdom, and reflective journal prompts to help you take that truth into your day. Preorder your copy now so it’s on your doorstep by release day!

When a situation feels out of control, it’s easy to believe there’s only one good outcome and that everything depends on you to make it happen. But the Lord has actually called us to play a different role in partnership with Him. On a special episode of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast — “Our Job Is Obedience; God’s Job Is Everything Else” — Lysa TerKeurst explores the difference between control and stewardship, how surrender leads to the peace we’re searching for, and so much more. You can listen here.

ENGAGE

For more daily encouragement, follow Proverbs 31 Ministries on Facebook and Instagram!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Genesis 1:3-5, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day” (CSB).

2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” (CSB).

Take a few minutes today to reflect on the wonder of creation and of being a new creation. Let your awe for who God is and your gratitude for what He’s done lead you into a time of worship and praise.

In the comments, let’s thank God for His light and the knowledge of His glory and ask Him to continue to transform us by His Spirit so our lives will shine for Him.

© 2025 by Cara Blondo. All rights reserved.