Free to Change – but Hold God's Hand

We’re occasionally given the privilege of making a new beginning. My grandfather would periodically sell his possessions and move to another farm, hoping for better crops and a brighter future for his family. While we are at liberty to make needed changes, it takes a serious sacrifice to make needed change become a reality.

As commitment empowers change, hard work and consistency ensure its success. Listen to this challenge: "Always act as if the future depends on what you do now." You can move forward to overcome most obstacles when God is the source of insight and wisdom for your decisions, even when being successful appears problematic.

With God, all things are possible. God gave Joshua what seemed to be an impossible task of conquering the Promised Land for the Israelites. However, God promised, “I will be with you and you will prosper and be successful, so make sure you do not neglect to obey the commandments I gave to Moses.” Included here are God’s promise and your commitment.  

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But I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going.

I’ll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country.

I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch.

These are the things I’ll be doing for them – sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute!

~Isaiah 42:16 The Message

If you do what the Lord wants, he will make certain each step you take is sure. 

The Lord will hold your hand, and if you stumble, you still won’t fall.

~Psalm 37:23-24 Contemporary English Version

Coming Back to God

Forgiveness and reconciliation are essential for salvation. The Apostle Paul implores us to be reconciled so a right standing with God can be achieved. Reconciliation requires God’s forgiveness. It clears away guilt for sin committed against God that has become an obstacle to fellowship with him. Confession of sins sets the stage for reconciliation.

 

Repentance is more than feeling sorry for sins. It involves a commitment to change your attitude about sin, to see sin as evil and responsible for creating the wall that separated you from God. Because of his great love for you, the Lord is willing to help you achieve reconciliation if you desire it with all your heart.

       

In addition to forgiveness’ liberating your soul from sin, forgiveness empowers you to eternally redefine yourself in the light of God’s love and mercy. God will never let you go. He intends for you to strengthen your fellowship with him so that the righteousness of Christ Jesus in you becomes evident to others. They will desire to have what you have.  

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Everything that we have – right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start – comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.

~1 Corinthians 1:30 The Message

Become a friend with God; he’s already a friend with you. “How?” you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God.

~2 Corinthians 5:20-21 The Message

       

Change Is Coming...Embrace It! - Part 2

Architecture and fashion are subject to change. Occasionally a person like Frank Lloyd Wright comes along and ushers in a revolution in architecture that others will follow and imitate. Jesus was an architect of change, bringing transformation that never ends within the heart, mind and soul of committed Christians.

I recently talked with someone involved in a relationship perceived as confining, like an emotional prison. Feelings of powerlessness, fear and depression in addition to anxiety made the future look bleak and hopeless. Sharing the truth of the situation and setting goals for change created an attitude of hopefulness and assurance.

Commitment to change is essential but must center around God’s specific purpose, which becomes apparent as his guidance and direction are clearly understood. Jesus told his disciples in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” Realizing Jesus chose you is a confidence builder that change is forthcoming and good.