CHANGE

 I've been thinking a lot about change. Sometime's it's easy. Most of the time? We don't want it and we're uncomfortable with it because we get so comfortable with familiar.

Thankfully, we have a God that guides us through change. As humans, change can be painful, but in Jesus, change can be the most powerful, strongest teaching tool--without it, will we ever learn? Without it, will we ever grow and develop our character, perseverance, and strength?

I firmly believe that as painful as change can be, it's one of the most powerful things we have to grow as people. More importantly, it's one of the most powerful tools that help us continue to be molded for Christ--and molded more INTO Christ. After all, we are made in His image.

Here are some verses to inspire you and help you meditate on God's Word today:

*2 Corinthians 5:17- "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

*2 Peter 3:9- "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

*Deuteronomy 31:6- "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

*Ecclesiastes 3:1- "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

And lastly, Romans 5:1-5:

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV)

God is not saying we will never have problems. In fact, because we live in a broken world filled to the brim with people abusing the freewill He gives us, we will always have problems. What He is saying is that we have a gateway filled with hope and promise through His son, Jesus Christ--we have a pathway that will keep us on the right, narrow path. We have a best friend we can pray to daily on any issue--big and small--who will always have our best interest in mind. And when we stray and stumble, we can always come to Him and ask for forgiveness and learn to repent. And, even though it's often painful, pain is the strongest teaching tool there is. That's what my dad always taught me. God doesn't want us suffering; rather He wants us to give our suffering TO Him. He wants us to cry out to Him. He wants us to bow down at His feet and pray to Him for guidance. In the end, our hearts grow stronger and our character continues to be molded more into His image.

All my Love,

Melody Joy