They say the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Some may argue this point but anyway I’ll get back to this statement and the title of this blog in a moment. My wife and I have been pastoring and in ministry for about 30 years. So we have seen and experienced a lot in ministry and in the lives of people. We have seen the good, bad, and the ugly. Honestly, we have seen more awesome and great things over these many years. God is still a good God!
You have to stay positive, see the good, focus on what’s important. Staying true to God and His Word all these years has been the key to overcoming difficulties in life. We haven’t always done it perfectly, but we’ve kept our eyes on Him. We give Him all the glory for His grace and goodness. Our heavenly Father has been with us all the way. He is awesome. We have learned how to embrace change along the way both personally and in ministry. We need God’s grace because change isn’t always easy.Our heart aches for God’s people, especially those who aren’t serving God today. Many who have given up on Church, those who have been disillusioned by church people and church leadership? Those who think church is irrelevant and not necessary anymore. We see so many of God’s people and those outside of Christ are plagued by busyness as well. I have heard too often, “I don’t have time for God, or Church or a Sunday school class, or a mid week service or a home group-I’m just too busy.” Yes our lives are busy. We have jobs, family, kids sporting events, and other so called obligations. I understand. I’m not judging anyone. I just have some good questions: Where is God in all of it? What are our priorities? What’s really important? What has eternal value? Are we stewarding our time as God would have us? What should be our main focus as believers in Christ? (Matt 6:33) It’s a hard question to ask? Can we be honest and assess our situations? Change can be difficult at times. Do we really want to change for the better?
Maybe you think, “I can’t change. I’ve always been like this.” or “I’m in a rut, or I’m comfortable with the way things are?” The list could go on and on with why things are the way they are.There are those who are challenged because they have been hurt, wounded, neglected and basically just beat up by life. They’ve had a difficult past. It’s hard to move forward. They have eventually sought solace in destructive and harmful behaviors and habits. I think of those who hold on to resentment and bitterness, find it difficult to come to a place of forgiveness and wholeness. Because of this there is no significant change for the better. It’s very sad to see. This may have led to poor decisions in priorities and values. They stopped believing, stopped looking for a better tomorrow. They are no longer motivated in a positive way, just going through the motions. Many have just given up hope. Yet God hasn’t changed in His love towards us. He is a God who never changes.
God remains true to His nature regardless of our actions-good or bad. God longs to bless us, to encourage us and help us. This is why Christ came. He brought forgiveness, healing, hope and restoration. He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). He came to bring truth to us in the midst of lies and the deceptions of the world.I have to believe that many people want change; they want things to be different. They want things to be better in their life. There are some as well who just settle for life as it is. Whatever comes comes? They see no way out. It can be an unending cycle of failure, self loathing, rejection and regrets. They need someone to help, someone to come along side of them. Show them a different picture of how life could be. God can do that! The Word of God can show us a better way.
I love the song by Zach Williams called “Chain Breaker.” Jesus is the chain breaker! True change can only come through Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Word of God is a chain breaker. This life changing process starts the moment we are born-again and receive Christ into our lives. True change is an inward process. It’s a God process that’s supernatural. It’s not self-effort, self righteousness, and trying to be a better person by human effort.Why have we abandoned God solutions for what will bring about true lasting change and a joy filled life? Why do we allow the devil to blind us and deceive us into thinking we can do it on our own? Live the same old way, doing the same old things expecting different results. We see hurting moms filled with loneliness, we see broken marriages and relationships, and we see kids longing for better relationship with their parents, dads who are bound by failure, regrets and addictions. We see families torn apart by anger and strife. Yet the cycle continues. Nothing really changes? Change isn’t change until its change. Jesus is the change maker and the way maker!
The thief, the devil comes continually to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus, the change maker has come to give us life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10) Yes! Getting back to church and the Bible can make a huge difference. Giving our lives to Jesus is essential to biblical transformation. A changed life is a life filled with God’s love, purpose, power and grace. It can change the course of our lives for the better. Remember God has created us. He knows exactly what we need in life and how to live life. Take up the challenge of connecting with the “Change Maker.” He will not fail you. God is still rescuing, restoring and rebuilding lives today. You have the abundance of grace today to reign in your life-start today!