Change What You Can Change

“[God give us]… courage to change the things which should be changed…”

—REINHOLD NEIBUHR, “THE SERENITY PRAYER,” PT. 2

Remember that [by submission] you magnify God’s work, of which men have sung.

—Job 36:24

Simplifying a complicated life only happens when it’s the result of making positive changes, so we definitely need to change what we can change. Some people say they hate change, when really, they love the results of change; they just don’t like the process.

When things change, we often feel disoriented for a period of time. We are not what we used to be and we are not sure yet what we will be. Anytime we step out boldly to make changes we take a chance that we might fail. What we change into may not be as good as what we have, but then again it could be much better. The only way to find out is to step out!

Have you thought about changing something for a long time and yet you have never actually taken steps to do it? Good intentions can become a deeper and deeper rut. God looks for those brave-hearted souls who hear His voice and act accordingly.

The only way you will ever discover what you can have is to give up what you currently have. Increase always demands investment. I had to leave a secure job at a church in order to start my own ministry. It was a frightening and lonely time for me, but deep down inside I knew I needed to make a change. I had to invest what I had, but I ended up with much more than I gave up.

Regularly making necessary changes will help keep life simple. As you prune (cut) things off that need to go, you de-clutter your life and make room for the fresh and new.