Change for the Better Happens
This week, guest speaker Brad White continued the “Change Happens” series, by talking about why change happens for the better, and some mistakes to avoid.
One consistent aspect of life is change. It’s important as Christians to be there for each other whether we are going into a happy season of life or a difficult season of life. Consider the traditional wedding vows we say to one another: “I take you to be my wedded (husband/wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health …”
In other words, we can’t assume as Christians that life will always be perfect and happy.
Some of our greatest blessings come out of living through difficult times. Brad shared the struggle that he and his wife Sharon went through attempting to have children And after being given only a less than 10% chance of getting pregnant, God blessed them with healthy twin girls and a baby boy 2 years later. Brad described this as a gift from God for which he was incredibly thankful.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (New International Version)
So, why does change for the better happen?
Change for the Better Happens to…
I. Increase our Faith, When Prayers are Answered (according to His will)
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15 (New International Version)
When you pray, pray for God’s will, in His timing, and on His terms. Then watch how God blesses you.
II. Provide Hope, Strength, and Perseverance in Bad Times
“I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. Psalms 77:1-2 (New International Version)
“Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” Psalms 77:10-12 (New International Version)
Instead of focusing on your own problems and difficulties, focus on God, and what He HAS provided, what He IS providing, and what He WILL provide in the future. Counting your blessings is a sure way of getting through the difficult times.
Mistakes to Avoid During Changes for the Better
I. Thinking I Made It Happen
“You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (New International Version)
We are involved in our outcomes, but we mustn’t think we made all these good things happen all on our own. As an example from the Bible, Moses didn’t lead God’s people out of slavery in Egypt, through his own strength. Instead, God freed His people through Moses.
II. Being Greedy Instead of Generous
“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”… Luke 12:15-21 (New International Version)
The temptation to be greedy is great! But if you look at your material possessions as God’s (on loan from God), instead of your own, it frees you to be generous with others who are in need.
Remember: God answers the prayers of others, through us (in our good times), just as our prayers are answered through others (in our bad times). So be thankful and generous at all times.
Action Step
List three blessings in your life. Each day: a) thank God, b) be generous with your excess, and c) encourage and lift others up.
1) ____________________________________________________________
2) ____________________________________________________________
3) ____________________________________________________________
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