Overcoming Obstacles by Growth and Change - Part 1

Everyone seeks meaning and purpose for their life, even if what they choose appears misguided or foolish. What gave meaning and purpose at an earlier time can lose significance as we are forced by age or circumstance to move to another phase of life. Adam and Eve were forced from the Garden of Eden to a place of change and challenge.

At some point we're forced to leave what we construct or what was designed  for us. This most often happens in mid-life just when a career or lifestyle appears to be secure. Consider the stay-at-home mom who out of necessity is forced to resume a profession that had been set aside for a higher calling.

Remaining fixated when change is demanded may blind us to present and future opportunities. The good news is that God can do his best work with us in times of transition. Romans 12:2 can be your confidence. "Do not be conformed to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind." What a wonderful choice! 

Work Choices: Are You Satisfied? - Part 1

So many people detest their work and yearn for an opportunity to make changes. Others shift the emphasis from work to leisure because work fails to  provide satisfaction. Some individuals in their mid-life years seek change by taking dangerous risks because of disappointment and burn-out with their work.

In Luke 12:16-21 Jesus conveys a story about a farmer who became wealthy, but because of a misguided attitude toward work and leisure, he failed to reap the harvest of his labor. Work and leisure fail to bring satisfaction and meaning when God is excluded from our choices. God's desire is to be included so we can feel blessed and enriched by him.

Permit yourself to see work as God's gift and as an avenue for expressing your love to Christ Jesus. He not only saves us from our sins and but saves us from negative attitudes that ruin our joy and happiness. Ecclesiastes 2:26 is instructive. "To the one who pleases God, he gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness." Seek to please God with all your heart.  

Burned Out or Blessed? - Part 1

Just about everyone eventually gets to a place in their everyday work experience where change would be a welcome relief from the routines that have long lost their challenge. Even the rewards of safety and security of everyday work routines do not compensate for the absence of heartfelt meaning and purpose for how life is spent.

Working only for financial security and recognition may eventually result in mental and physical burn-out, a major cause of crisis for people in their mid-life years. Each person's core being, that part of the self that needs affirmation and nurturing, must be in harmony with the way life is lived. To be out of harmony creates displeasure with just about every aspect of life.

However making sweeping changes during mid-life may not be productive.  It's beneficial to present needed changes to the redemptive power and guidance of Christ Jesus. He will give wisdom and direction for any needed changes. I am confident that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  

Choosing a New Perspective - Part 3

Losing perspective on the purpose and direction of one's life often happens during what is known as mid-life. The majority of individuals have skills that will sustain them throughout adulthood to insure productivity until retirement, but there are phases of life when the future may seem uncertain. This uncertainty and doubt may create anxiety or even depression.

Moving into mid-life sometimes means experiencing an identity crisis often associated with the loss of youthful looks and energy. Healthy change may mean obtaining a new perspective on what to do with the skills, knowledge, and wisdom - both learned and given by God's grace and kindness. Most everyone realizes that hoarding these treasures is unrewarding and unfulfilling.

Luke 18:18 relates a story about a man of position and prestige who came to Jesus concerned about his immortality and asked how to be assured of eternal life. The choice Jesus gave him was to give away what is transient and follow him. He would then have peace and assurance. Jesus does not ask us to do what is impossible, but what promises abundant life.  

Choosing a New Perspective - Part 2

We're living in a time of rapid change. The development of technologies and world-wide cultural changes make it impossible to stay abreast of even simple advances. Yet what is new soon becomes old and so we await news of what's coming next. This might make you consider Solomon's declaration that "there is nothing new under the sun."

It's apparent that we must change as each stage of life confronts us. Our youthful appearance gives way as we mature in age. Our physical endurance diminishes with advanced years. The common wisdom of our day warns us, "Use it or lose it," which includes the mind's eager willingness to learn and the body's muscles that tend to atrophy with neglect.

Cooperating with change is healthier than denying its intrusion into your life. Begin by taking stock of what's needed to put your house in order and then do it. Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and fellowship with you." Change in partnership with Jesus can be exciting and joyful.