Settle Your Soul (Part 3): Embracing Change
Photo Courtesy of Johannes Plenio
The precursor
It’s interesting to think about the change that takes place from one season to the next.
After so many years of cycling through the same four seasons, you’d expect the process to be seamless. Like one-relay runner handing the baton off to the next. But at least where I live, it’s as if there’s a reluctance for summer to give way to fall.
The changes are so gradual it’s tempting to assume that nothing is really happening. And yet we know that in due time—
the evidence of a new season will be clear to see.
For the Christian life, change is something we should be quite comfortable with by now. Not because it’s an easygoing experience, but because it’s been a major factor from the moment we surrendered our lives to Jesus.
Romans 8:29 tells us that God knew ahead of time that He would “conform us to the image of His Son [Jesus]”. God knew that we would be changed into a new creation. And yet, like the changing of the seasons, there’s a reluctance inside of us to give way to the new.
But that’s exactly what God has called us to.
Jesus tells us that two spirits are actively working to alter the conditions of our spiritual life. One desires to bring brokenness, while the other brings abundance. In John 10:10 (AMP) Jesus contrasts the two:
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”
“The thief” represents an anti-Christ spirit. A spirit who opposes all the good things that God has for us. While Christ’s Spirit enriches us with a truly fulfilling life. The question is, how do we live in the fullness of what God has to offer?
we repent.
On the most basic level, repentance means to “change one’s mind”. In our walk with Christ, it’s a matter of surrendering to the leading of Jesus, and turning away from anything that’s holding us back.
Repentance is about redefining the “defensiveness” that rises up inside of you when God’s Spirit prompts you to change. Those defenses may feel like walls of protection, but in reality, they’re prison walls.
Robing You of true freedom.
Our God wants to continue His redeeming work in every area of your life. Repentance is the precursor for releasing God’s power. God wants you to change your mind because He knows—
It will change your life.
Change The Way You See Yourself
The Apostle Paul is an interesting case-study. Before he ever became an all-time great leader in our faith, he had a different reputation. He even had a different name (Saul). From a worldly & “religious” perspective, he had it all—prestige, power, influence, an impeccable reputation.
Despite all his success, Paul was also known as one of the greatest persecutors of the Christian faith. He actively persecuted Christians in order to imprison or kill them. You would think somebody with this much baggage could never be used by God. And yet—
this is who God called.
In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NLT), Paul expresses the following realization:
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.
But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners.
Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”
God is calling each of us to higher places in our faith. That means you have to be willing to let go of anything that runs counter to Christ. That starts with changing the way you see yourself.
How did leaders in our faith accomplish this?
They didn’t allow their identity to remain buried under the weight of sin. They recognized their identity was not defined by any work you do. They simply embraced an identity—
based on who they knew.
When you know Jesus, your identity is secure as a Redeemed Child of God Himself. You have the power of God’s Spirit to make a change for the better. You can do anything God’s calling you to do.
Our God calls people from all walks of life. Though few accept His call, His call is not for a select few.
The call of god is for you.
Change The Way You See Pain
If there’s one common experience among people, it’s pain. In one form or another, we all experience pain. But God’s Word tells us that not all pain is created equal. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV) says:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
The word “sorrow” here can also be translated as pain or grief. It’s “good grief” because it’s Godly pain that is intended to bring about life-giving change. It’s the type of experience we see in the story Jesus tells of the “Lost Son”.
In this story, the Lost Son is rebellious & desires only to please himself. He claims his part of the family’s inheritance & leaves home early to “live it up”. He eventually blows all the money & finds himself miserable, broke, and starving in the middle of a pig-pen. At this point:
“…he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”
The Lost Son repented; He “changed his mind”. His arrogance was replaced with humility as he sought the forgiveness of His Father. Unbelievably, we see the Father go above & beyond extending forgiveness.
We see a Father “filled with love and compassion run to his son” and welcome him home with open arms. He lavishly clothes the son in many things, including “the finest robe in the house”. And even throws a great feast to celebrate his son’s return.
the son’s pain served a purpose.
What purpose is the pain in your own life serving? Is it pushing you further & further away from God? Or do you recognize that your pain is meant to provoke meaningful change?
Your Heavenly Father has a heart filled with love & compassion for you. He has no desire to see you left to spiritually starve. Instead, He stands ready to embrace you with open arms.
Our God is faithful to clothe & comfort those who come to Him. His Word is good food & living water to quench our hunger & thirst. He’s a Loving Father who adores you. He’s a Loving Father—
Who wants to restore you.
Change the way you see god
It can be incredibly difficult to live with a real sense of peace in an ever-changing world. Especially when everything appears subject to change. That’s why it’s imperative to cling to that which is unchangeable.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Peace is found in the unchanging, unfailing presence of God Himself. When we look to the Lord, we find that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble“ (Psalm 46:1, BSB).
When we trust in His character, we can embrace any change He calls us to make. We can know with confidence that it’s always for our good. Even though what we’re called to do may change, we can have peace, because—
the One who calls us never does.
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today’s Takeaways
Change your mind & God will change your life.
Let Your pain serve a purpose.
Trust in god’s unchanging character.