We were at a wedding, former procrastinators, where my husband wore his formal military mess dress. Someone came up to him and commented, “You must wear this pretty often.” “Yes, I do. Why do you ask?” “The other men in tuxes are stiff and ill at ease. You’re very comfortable.”
When my husband initially wore his mess dress, he was also uncomfortable. With every occasion he became more at ease. When we force ourselves to take action we want to delay, it’s awkward. The more often we choose to act promptly, the less discomfort we experience and the more “natural” it is to do what needs doing when it needs doing. Part of the power of the gospel is the ability to choose diligence.
Change is a privilege! We’re not locked into harmful habits. We get to change! Prompting to change is God’s grace. It’s His mercy not to leave us “as is.” He works change in us so we benefit from all He has for us. Prompting to change is evidence of God’s love for us. He draws us to the light where He is. We get to see more of His glory. And as we change to be more like Him, we glorify Him.
“I want to be different – but I don’t want to change.”
Yes, change can be painful. It takes patience, persistence, and power. His Spirit supplies these, enabling us to walk in the new nature He has given us. What doesn’t feel right at first, soon does.
God desires our good. If He’s prompting change, we can be certain we’ll be better off, even glad. The painful giving up of the old way and putting on the new brings joy and more light. It’s an honor to change under His direction and for His glory. That’s living out part of His purpose for us.
In what area is God prompting you to trust Him for change?
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