In this post Larry talks about finding the motivation to make crucial changes when you feel weak. Now here’s Larry.
How do you respond to change? Many have switched to wearing masks in public with ease. Being safe is worth the inconvenience. But other personal improvements require more effort than remembering to wear a mask.
We all want to become better people. But lasting internal change requires God’s help.
The Bible calls this change repentance. Repentance is turning from one thing so we can pursue another. Biblical repentance creates closeness with God and distance from whomever or whatever is unhealthy.
How can we make changes when our desire or ability is weak?
Make Changes Because of Him (Jn 14:21, Rev 2:1-5)
Various circumstances have moved me to make changes. Both looming consequences and a profound sense of right and wrong have served to redirect my course. Yet, what a difference when I made changes because I wanted to show God love. Those changes were deeper and more lasting.
I used to allow my shyness to rule my life. A monumental change came to me when as a young man I decided to honor God instead of my fear. I stood outside a Christian gathering where I knew no-one nor what might happen inside. I told God I would go in because of what He meant to me. In that meeting I made friendships that were dear and instrumental in guiding the direction and quality of my life.
Do you have changes you want to make? I suggest you tell yourself and God you will make them because of what He means to you (Rom 2:4).
What changes do you want to make? Here's help. #change, #growth Click To TweetIf we can help you in this area or another area in your relationships with God, others, or yourself, please contact us.
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Over the course of my life I have found the only way I can make any changes that mean something and that are lasting are with God and allowing Him to show me what is needed and to help me do it.
Amen, Ann! Will power goes only so far.
Enjoyed. Repentance begins with a desire to change, but rather than doing it “for Him”, I’ve found much better results when I enlist God’s help to change. For me, I have more lasting results when I allow God to help me change than I do when I solely desire to change to please God. Hope that makes sense. I think of Christ’s comment to John, James, and Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:40-43 when I start to realize that as much as I desire to change, I’m failing on my own. Thanks so much.
It makes perfect sense, J.D. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I think what Larry was saying is that some changes God calls us to, like visiting the Christian Young adults group, wasn’t something he particularly wanted to do. But because he sensed God wanted him to visit it, he stepped out of his comfort zone to please Him. Thanks for contributing to the conversation.
During this time of quarantine and coronavirus, I have changed my daily schedule for writing. I am writing more stories, blog posts, articles, devotions, etc. God is giving me a time of renewal and refreshment for my stories.
Melissa, that is wonderful!! I always enjoy your stories.
I love change and I do try to incorporate some form every single day!
Susan, that is awesome! You must be a very interesting person.