Changes

As the end of every year draws close, many begin to consider what areas of their lives need major or minor overhauls. These revelations transform themselves into New Year's resolutions, most of which are broken in the first few weeks of January. The noblest of intentions fizzle and die as weight loss goals and personal growth programs slowly give way to the reality of life and time constraints. If you can't already tell by now, I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions.

I believe that when God places a desire or directive on our hearts, we must act on that now and not at some set point in the future. That's how God works. He's into the now, not in the wait-and-move-when-you-feel-like-it. If you are convinced of a need to make some personal spiritual changes or that God is moving you in a new direction then the time is now, not later.

Another factor that hinders us from moving forward is the fear of what change will bring. We can be so absolutely paralyzed with "what ifs" that we find ourselves unable to trust God enough to move forward with His plans for our lives. If we put off until a later date what we know must be done now, then maybe we can somehow get out of it altogether or make it a whole lot less painful when we do follow through. That's not change. That's being a wimp.

My family is facing a pretty big change right now. We will be relocating to the coast of North Carolina in the next several weeks for new job and ministry opportunities. Truthfully, having to pack up our whole life and move four hours away is pretty overwhelming. The thought has crossed our minds more than once that it would be so much easier to just stay put and make things work from where we are. That way we would avoid the hassles of having to sell our home, finding a new place to live, get the kids in new schools, and adjust to life in a new zip code. Yes, it would be much easier to not have to make those changes. But God hasn't called us to what is easy. Instead, what He does call us to is to trust His plan, which is more than possible in His strength and timing.

Where has God been pushing and prodding in your life? Regardless of whether it's a big move or a few simple lifestyle adjustments, changes that the Lord puts on your heart can't wait. Our resolve is not in a list of goals penned in January 1 but rather in our trust in the all sufficiency of our Lord and King Jesus Christ.

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