Change

God changes us in ever-increasing degrees of glory. 

His goal is to make us more like himself: 


"And all of us, as with unveiled face, (because we) continued to behold (in the word of God) as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; (for this comes) form the Lord (who is) the spirit"
(2 cor. 3:18)


In order to accomplish this goal, God sometimes disciplines us for our ultimate good. However, while the discipline is taking place, it isn't much fun. Hebrews 12:11 tells us, 


"For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it ( a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness - in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God)"


God's discipline changes us and makes us more like Jesus in our thoughts, words and actions. His plan is to bring us into a new realm of glory, which satan doesn't want. Consequently, the devil will oppose us persistently if we are going forward. He delights in getting us distracted and preventing us form pressing in with God.


Many times over the years I have sensed God speaking to me about changes that need to take place within the ministry in order for it to grow to the next level. However, I know that change is frequently very difficult for people. Because i love people and don't want to hurt or disappoint them, i have sometimes found it difficult to obey God in this area.

It is challenging to tell a person who is doing their best that the position they have has outgrown them and that we need to make a change. Many times it involves people who have done a great job for years; they are easy to get along with and are very committed to their job, but they have reached their ceiling.


If i don't make the changes God is asking me to make, their ceiling creates one for the ministry and prevents our growth. 


Since ministry growth means an opportunity to reach more people for Jesus, my decision cannot be based on what would be easy for me or what would not hurt their feelings.


I have learned through experience that if I don't obey God because I don't want to hurt the person, i usually hurt them more in the long run.


If God is asking me to make a change then He also has a new thing for them to do - something that they will enjoy even more that what they  are doing now. 


The fear of change keeps a lot of people from making progress, and it leads to disobedience.


How are we to respond to times of discipline and change (times when God is changing us)?


"You must submit to endure (correction) for discipline; God is dealing with you as His sons. For what son is there whom his father does not (thus) train and correct and discipline?... So then brace up and reinvigorate and set right your slackened and weakened and drooping hands, and strengthen  your feeble and palsied  and tottering knees, and cut through and make firm and plain and smooth, straight paths for your feet, so that the lame and halting limbs may not be put out of joint, but rather may be cured" (Heb 12:7, 12-13)

When God disciplines us, it can be uncomfortable and painful. Thats why we are told "submit to" and "endure" His discipline in our lives. We are to choose God's Word to be "lamp unto our feet and a light to our path".


The instructions continue in verse 14, where it says we are to "strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue the consecration and holiness without which no one will (ever) see the Lord"

We are to press forward and pursue holiness by allowing God to work in us. 

"Lord, I surrender my life to You in all my seasons and situations of changes - past, present and future. Keep me from allowing change to bring me into strife. Help me to draw nearer to You during the times and seasons of change. Let me sense Your strength, Your power, and Your peace during such times. And Lord when i need extra help to stay calm and peaceful, please help me to draw closer to Your heart. In Jesus name, amen"

~Conflict Free Living - Joyce Meyer~