By Pastor Ryan Stockstrom

Harvest Church

With the arrival of spring, signs of life are everywhere. The grass turns green, flowers begin to bloom, and trees start to bud.

Is the same true for those who believe in Christ?

There’s a popular meme online that says, “You won’t know that I’ve won the lottery, but there will be signs.” It’s usually accompanied by a humorous image—like a lobster added to a bowl of ramen noodles or a refrigerator completely stocked with eggs (now a luxury item!). The point is clear: even without a direct announcement, signs will show that something significant has happened.

So, as believers, can we expect there to be visible signs when someone becomes a follower of Jesus?

My answer is yes—we should be able to notice changes, mostly internally-at first. If someone genuinely puts their faith in Christ, the Bible teaches that something amazing happens spiritually. And while these changes may begin internally, they will inevitably impact how we live—both now and for eternity.

Just as doctors look for vital signs to confirm physical life, there are spiritual indicators that demonstrate we’ve crossed from death to life in Christ.

In Christ, the Bible teaches that we receive a new identity. We become:

A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

A chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9)

Saints—yes, really! (Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:2, ESV)

We also receive all of Christ’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

These internal changes don’t happen because we’re good, but because Jesus is good—and we place our faith in Him.

We also receive a destination change—from death to life.

Before Christ, we are spiritually dead, destined for separation from God. But this isn’t the outcome God desires. Through faith in Christ, we are given a new destination: life. When we trust in Him, we come alive to the things of God. Though we still face physical death, it will not be eternal. Instead of separation, we’ll experience eternal closeness with God—and that will be amazing.

Placing our faith in Jesus also results in a leadership change—we’re under new management.

We move from being influenced by the “spirit of the air” (a biblical reference to the devil) to living under the loving leadership of Christ. This means leaving behind worldly passions and walking in the ways of peace. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Following Christ also brings an appetite change.

A genuine transformation leads to changed desires.

What once seemed foolish—church, prayer, Bible study, worship—becomes food for our souls.  Jesus said, “‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  (Matthew 4:4) And what we once “fed on” now feels empty or even repulsive. Former pursuits of the world begin to lose their appeal. All of this is evidence of Jesus’ transformative work in our lives.

So how about you?

Have you noticed God at work in your life?

There will be signs.