As of late we have deviated somewhat from our fast-paced life. At least it’s one blessing that COVID has brought to our society. However, in general we are a fast food, instagram, I want it now crowd. Advertisers catch our attention with a product that promises a 10 pound weight loss in 10 days, financial success in 3 easy steps, and all kinds of quick fix remedies that promise much but deliver little more than disappointment and frustation. Making a change is difficult, it is a slow process, it requires time and space. Unfortunately, many of us know we should change but never take the necessary steps or make the needed sacrifice to make it happen. God has given us the ability and the help we need to grow as individuals and as Christ-followers. Scripture has much to say about change and the process God uses to change us. We can change if we look to God and move toward our goal.

Scripture
De 32:11; Jb 30:27, 34:3-4; Ps 37:5; Jn 8:32; Ro 12:2; 2 Co 7:10; Ga 6:9; Ep 4:23; Js 2:17

Verses
The kind of sorrow God wants makes people change their hearts and lives. (2 Cor 7:10) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Ro 12:2) “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (Jn 8:32) In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. (Js 2:17) Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. (Ep 4:23) Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will. (Ps 37:5)

Thought
Change starts when we realize that something isn’t right; maybe we are stressed or concerned. When we become uncomfortable with a situation, that discomfort is God’s way of stirring us up, moving us toward change. Sometimes a crisis moves an issue to the forefront demanding our attention. God uses these situations to motivate us to change. We then must make a choice. Will we trade the way things are for what could be? We know what we have, but moving toward something new and unknown can be unsettling. We can stay the same or opt for something better. When we choose to move toward change, we must gain new insight, comprehend what the problem is and realize the truth about our failings. Allowing our minds and our way of thinking to be transformed by God’s perspective is a giant leap in the right direction. When we begin to see our present state from God’s perspective, we see truth, and the truth will set us free. Once we realize how much we need God to change us, we must conduct ourselves accordingly. Knowing we should change and thinking we can change must be followed by the actions that will bring change. Change is not easy. Anytime you initiate new behaviors, it feels awkward and unnatural, but if you are serious about change, about going the distance, you will do the right thing even when it seems awkward, odd or difficult, and even when it costs you. God wants for us to continue to grow and change; it’s a lifetime commitment. He never stops working on us. Allow God to work!

Questions
When you accepted Christ, what things became uncomfortable (activities, friends, entertainment)? What is a significant change you have made in your life? What caused you to change? What was your process for change? Is there something in your life now that God has stirred up, causing you to realize you need to change? If so, what is it? Who is the most changed person you know? Why? How do you feel about someone who says, “I’m not going to change”? What are the ramifications of not changing? Give an example.

Response
If you have been unsettled because there’s something you need to change, make a choice! Pray and ask God to guide you and begin taking steps in the right direction. If you don’t feel there’s anything God is stirring in you right now, pray that you will be open and willing to follow Him through whatever changes lie ahead.

Pray
Dear God, help me to be pleasing to you. I want you to mold me and change me according to your will. Help me to always be sensitive to your Spirit. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.