Changes

February 10, 2011

All of us experience change. Its one thing we all have in common. One thing we can count on. It’s inevitable, inescapable, and never easy when we’re challenged with new territory. How do we respond?

Change is part of God’s plan in history and in our lives. Here are a few changes:

Change of heart - the scriptures reveal that to have relationship with God and be part of His family a personal heart change needs to take place. (2Cor.5:17; Ezek.36:26)

Change of mind - If our hearts and minds are not constantly changing and renewed we won’t be amazed by God’s grace. (Rom.12:2)

Change in culture - not a revelation here, just look at Egypt or the rapid change in our own world today. Accused of defiling the Sabbath, a friend of sinners, Jesus brought  radical change. He told the religious leaders, “You teach the traditions of men as the commands of God.” (Matt.15:3).

Jesus’ advent changed everything! The Jews were in a fervent uproar, Jerusalem was upside down and the Romans were on edge. The gospel was revolutionizing hearts and the world for Jews, Romans, Greeks, Asians, Europeans and Africans.

From Saturday Sabbath to Sunday worship, from an underground persecuted movement to a Roman state religion having a global impact. And when the church desperately needed reform the Reformation came. Missionaries adapted to the cultures they were called to reach. The scriptures were translated in countless languages.

Change in Leadership - the seemingly endless mantra of politicians. Generational changes, changes in relationships, etc. It has been said, “Change is inevitable, but misery is an option.”

Being that change is unavoidable how can we learn to benefit from it?  We can change our attitude about the change we can’t control.

God continuously reminded Israel as He is reminding us today that His future is better than any past that we’ve ever experienced. (Jer. 33:3; Haggai 2:7-9) It seems that the good ole days are exaggerated. Can we believe that our present or future can be greater than our past?

We can let go of the past and move forward.

Living in the past is not very exciting. If only change would stay away from those places that are sacred to us that would be great, but many times the most difficult to give up are those things we have identified as God’s blessings. For many our crisis is the place where we meet God. God calls us to take the memories, but leave the trinkets behind.

May we not be like the wandering Israelites who limited their future by living in the past instead of the challenge of a new tomorrow!  If you stay stuck in the past you relinquish your future. Don’t be stuck in a time warp, your future is waiting! There is hope. Today is the beginning of your history. Stay tuned as we explore embracing your divine future!

Regarding this theme of change I highly recommend Dr. Henry Cloud’s new book ‘Necessary Endings’