Nobody wants change just for the sake of change, because not all change is good. It can be very negative, depending on who is making the change and why. But we can’t prevent change from happening. It will either bless you or run you over like a steam roller. Here’s the key: change is inevitable, but growth is optional. You cannot grow without change, but you can change without growth. I can’t always change the world around me, but I can change the world within me! When the seasons change, we must learn to change with them. (Eccl 3:1-3)
Some things are ever-changing: Policies, methods, products, man’s laws, and man’s values all change. There are changes that are thrust upon us by society and by life itself. Then there are the unexpected, sudden tragedies: the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a divorce, a bankruptcy, a new job, a new city, an unplanned pregnancy, a long-term sickness or disability, and so on. Too many changes all at once can be overwhelming.
Some things are never-changing: I thank God for the values and principles of life that never change. They are the only guarantee of living the abundant life that Jesus talked about. (John 10:10) Prayer still changes things, and more importantly - it changes me. Bible reading still strengthens me and gives me peace and joy like nothing else I know! Most of all I’m glad He said, “I am the Lord, I do not change.” (Mal 3:6) Who He was – He still is! What He said – He is still saying! What He did – He is still doing today! “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:5)
The more we are changed into the image of Christ, the better
we will be able to deal with the changing world around us.
The Process of change: Rom 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We all enjoy the blessings of positive change; what we hate is the process of change. Don’t wait until you hurt so much that you have to change. It’s better to learn enough that we want to change, and then receive enough from God that we can change.
All change begins in the mind with our thoughts, then our speech which affects how we feel and creates the right desires, choices, actions and continued actions. Every bad habit, attitude or addiction can be destroyed, and a new set of godly disciplines, habits and attitudes can be developed that will bring righteousness, peace and joy into our lives. Life just gets better and better!
2 Cor 3:18 “We are being changed from glory to glory into the image of Christ.” The more we are changed into the image of Christ, the better we will be able to deal with the changing world around us. And the more we will be able to make a difference in the way the world around us changes. As we cultivate Heaven’s Culture within ourselves, we can begin to create Heaven’s Culture around ourselves.
The Serenity Prayer: ‘God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’
The greatest key to miracles and success is the ability to change when change is required!
Yours for transformed lives through Christ,
Dr George Hill
Apostolic Founder and President of Victory Churches International
