Making Adjustments As Needed

“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines the outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” – Warren Wiersbe. 

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see/hear the word adjustment? Most people would define adjustment as a small alteration or movement made to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result or the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation. 

We want God to speak to us and give us an assignment, but we are not all that excited about making any major adjustments in our lives. The Lord uses adjustments to bring us back into alignment with Him and the plan He has for our individual lives. These adjustments might have to take place in friendships, relationships, school, or career choices. At times, these changes may make sense and seem easy enough. But inevitably, there will come a day when the Lord will call you to leave something or pursue something that may not make sense. A change that will leave you uncertain and honestly scared because it is unlike anything you have experienced. That is where faith comes in. When that time comes, a decision has to be made.

Every time God spoke to people in the Scripture about something He wanted to do through them, major adjustments were necessary. They had to adjust their lives to God. Once the adjustments were made, God accomplished His purposes through those He called. We have story after story in the Old and New Testament of people the Lord called to make huge, life-altering adjustments.

In Genesis 6, the Lord decides to destroy all of humanity due to their wickedness and during this, He calls Noah to build an ark. Verse 22 says, “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” The New Testament is also riddled with stories of major life-altering adjustments. When Jesus encounters each disciple, they are going about their life. Matthew, the tax collector, is sitting in his office when Jesus calls him to follow Him. Simon and Andrew as well as James and John are in the middle of fishing when He calls them. Encounters with God can sometimes seem inconvenient and disruptive. As believers, we are continually being shaped and molded to be more like Christ. That process is hard and messy.  The adjustments He calls us to at times may seem impossible and terrifying. Making those adjustments requires obedience. If you refuse to make the adjustment, you could miss what God had in store for your life.

The Bible tells us that when God speaks to His people, He always calls for a decision about what you believe. Now that we see that, based on that belief, He challenges us to make major adjustments to our lives in order to allow Him to work through us.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are ways God leads us to adjust to Him in how we think.  About people?  About issues?  About biblical principles that we struggle with?  
2. Why does God lead us to adjust to Him? Why is this important? What is God doing when He asks us to adjust to Him?