WHAT AREA OF YOUR LIFE DO YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE MOST?

“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, former pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago.

“What do I need to change” is one of the more common questions when people think through the challenges and responsibilities of being more Christlike. It can be perplexing: what is God’s purpose for me? Granted that I have been converted, granted that I have been saved and received new life in Jesus Christ, so what comes next?

In most cases what comes next is change. Most of us when we think of change, we tend to think of practical things: spend more time with my spouse, or be more consistent in going to church, our have quiet time with the Lord every morning. Then there the less practical changes such as loving and forgiving others, be a role model, or increase your knowledge of Scripture. But the most important component of the change process is God himself. God changes us. God is always part of the change process if sustaining change is going to happen because He is the one steady and consistent change agent;

It is very common to hear Christians say God has changed their lives or that God is their motivation for doing things differently. What they’re really saying is that God’s love makes them want to be better people. He was willing to sacrifice His son in order to make a way for us to have a relationship with Him.

This type of sacrificial love is life-changing. Not only is God’s love inspirational but God’s love is powerful. He can and does use His power to transform people. If you want to change your life, having a relationship with God can give you the courage and power to change in ways you never thought possible.

God is changing lives and moving in incredible ways all across the globe. Here is one: “I’ve had many ups and downs in my faith. I turned my back on God too many times to count, but God has been there to pick me up and brush me off. God came to my aid last time so strongly that I could no longer deny His presence in my life. I no longer deny that God has a great plan for me. I no longer hate people who have hurt me. I can change for the better.”

The power to change takes place in the context of this loving and secure relationship with God. Whether you experience transition under your feet, in your heart, or both, the Lord is using it for you, not against you. He is bringing you to a new place for the purpose of blessing you. We can trust change is not a life hindrance, but a life occurrence acting as a stepping-stone toward God’s best for us.

Discussion Questions

Is it possible to embrace change? How?
How can we see God in the changes in our lives?