Understanding Constant Change
Life, in order to be considered life, demands movement. Whether we like it or not, our lives are a journey. The simple mechanics of this journey is a continual forward progression. And within this forward progression of life is the constant process of change.
Our journey on this planet has a beginning and an end. And within the beginning and the end is a journey full of adventure, risks, uncertainty, failures and victories. The objective of our journey is to have completed the will and purpose of God. A key factor in achieving this successfully is the understanding that change is forever constant.
In 26 years of ministry, I’ve come to realize that most people, though in a constant journey of change, fight the process of change. We fight it physically, mentally and spiritually. We fight the aging process (no comment on that one); the learning process (many refuse to engage in learning curves); and the spiritual growth process (we lose our holy curiosity).
Obtaining a desire for change is a major contributing factor in winning at the end of our journey. I agree, change can be difficult and painful but without it the journey ceases to exist.
Here’s some things I’ve learned about change. They’ve helped Victoria and me stay the course in our journey.
- Change is not change until it’s changed. The journey changes; look for it.
- Understanding change brings clarity to directional changes. It develops discernment.
- Although change can be intimidating, change is your friend. Don’t be afraid of it.
- We serve a changeless God that’s ALWAYS working a change in us. His objective is that we become more like Him – and that occurs through constant change.
- The pain of change is much better than the pain of staying the same. Growth is painful, it always has been. But the pain of refusing to move forward in the journey can have eternal implications.
- Change is understood and embraced when we live with eternity in mind.
- Change and inconvenience are cousins (more like brothers).
- The willingness to embrace personal change will bring about the power to cause public change.
- Long seasons of preparation give birth to perpetual seasons of change. When nothing is happening, keep preparing. Wait for it. Look for it. Big changes are coming!
- Your willingness for change must equal your understanding of change in order for change to do its proper work. It’s one thing to know about it; it’s another to engage in it.
These last 12 months have brought to our family the greatest directional and growth changes in the last 17 years. We’ve prepared for it and are ready to engage in the assignment God has given us. It’s opened the world to us. It’s brought great people in our lives. We’ve embraced change with no regrets. Our desire is to follow our God-given journey of constant change.
Are you preparing for change?
Thank you Pastor for sharing your heart! As you well know CHANGE has been my goal for months now. Change began internally but I’ve noticed once Christ can be Lord in my life the external is altered. My verses have been Matt 6:33 and Matt 11:12, I meditate over them and remember them when making decisions. I looked up the word change and love these synonyms ” metamorphosis, transformation, evolution, mutation”, they describe my process of change… thank you sir for allowing God to use you in my life, not only to plant seed, but to draw out gifts in me. Gods timing is never wrong and I believe we both will reach higher levels and do greater things in the Kingdom of God.
Love you sir and will always be here for you and your family! Blessings
Pastor, thank you for been the common sense in my life and yes, change has been part of my life since you know me. Thank for been our support in those painful process of transition. We love you and you will always be our pastor and friend.
Change for me has always been a struggle because I’ve been afraid of the outcome. But I’ve learned that because now I’m a believer a woman and daughter of God, change has to take place, I have to embrace it and trust it because God will never set me up, but instead he will build me up in his kingdom and allow his glory to take place.
Good evening Pastor Manny. Thank you for allowing God to use you to deliver an on time word. Change is uncomfortable, unchartered, resisted, and sometimes resentful. It’s easy to become complacent in turmoil. Change is necessary. Without change how can we grow? How can we fulfill our purpose? How can we build and have a closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. I’m thankful for change, even
when it’s uncomfortable and I don’t understand it. I choose to trust and rely on God. Thank you Sir. God bless you and your family.
We have to accept changes, although it brings challenges to us and our loved ones. Trusting God and going forward toward his will is the most amazing greatest experience in our lives. Amen