Change…. That is a word that most of us don’t like to hear. Even when change is for the good, it can sometimes be difficult, even scary. But change is one of those inevitable pieces of life. We all experience it one time or another. I heard this statement from an inmate one time: “When the pain of remaining the same becomes greater than the pain of change, you will change.” That is a power packed statement. Change will take courage. The definition of courage is: “Fearlessness when facing change or a difficult situation, following difficult instructions.”
One of the biggest hindrances to change
for many people is that they are stuck in their past or even in a present
dilemma. Think about this. If you drive down the road in your car looking in
the rear view mirror the whole time, what is going to happen? Obviously, you
will crash. Well, it’s the same thing in life. If we keep looking back, we’re
going to crash into various obstacles in life. So, what is the answer to this
fear of change? The bible gives us several answers.
First of all in Philippians 3:13,14 it says, “13 Brethren, I do not count
myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which
are behind and reaching forward to those things
which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus.” (Emphasis added)
The first step in moving forward is to stop looking backwards all the time.
Take your hurts, your questions, your fears…. Everything and give them to God.
His Son, Jesus Christ took all your pains on Himself when He died on the cross.
Let’s quickly look at a few other hindrances to moving forward that the bible
mentions.
Forsaking God - In other words, preferring your own way. So many of
us think we know what’s best for our life. But who would know better than God
Himself, the Creator of the universe who knows everything? Take the risk to
step out and trust God with your whole life. In Matthew 6:33 it says: "But
seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall
be added to you.” If we put God first in our lives, He will meet all of our
needs.
Fear of man - Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” We will never take risks or try
new things as long as we fear what others will think of us. One way to help
fight this is to remember the following statement: “I am not responsible for
anyone else’s actions or reactions except my own.” Besides, if someone is truly
your friend, they will encourage you to move forward and be happy with you for
the changes in your life.
Worldliness - This could be a lengthy subject, but for now let’s
simply say that if we allow the ways of the world influence us, it will choke
out the truth of God’s Word. See Mark 4:18, 19 and 1 John 2:15.
Misplaced Confidence - Relying on anything or anyone other than God
for your needs. It is only in a relationship with the Lord that we can have all
of our needs met. Remember the scripture quoted earlier from Matthew 6:33? Put
God first in your life.
Self-sufficiency – This is when we think we don’t need anyone. We
think we can do it ourselves and refuse to ask for help. But Proverbs 3:
5,6 says; “5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and lean not on your own understanding; 6In all your ways acknowledge Him, and
He shall direct your paths.” Another scripture that talks about
self-sufficiency is Rev. 3:16-20 where the Laodicean Church thought they had it
all together more than anyone else but didn’t realize they were spiritually
blind.
Neglect of the "little things" – I once read a statement
that said. “We stumble over pebbles, not rocks.” We often tend to overlook what
we think are the little things. But then these little thinks pile up into a big
mountain and next thing we know we’re totally overwhelmed. So, don’t let little
things go unchecked in your life. Ask someone you trust who you know will be
truthful, who will give you godly counsel, to be an accountability partner to
help you monitor your progress.
Finally, our last point is
Not counting the cost – It makes a made-up mind to decide we’re
moving forward with our lives no matter what. We need to be aware that not
everyone is going to like the changes in our life. Family, friends, and co-workers
may not understand. Some may try to put fear in you, some will threaten you by
saying they won’t be your friends anymore. Reality is there will be a cost to
change. The people you surround yourself with may have to change; your
priorities will have to change, etc. But with God on our side, we can overcome
anything. Read Roman 8: 31-39, it declares that God is for you!
Take the risk and step into a new season in your life! If I can be of help to
you feel free to contact me.