“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
I’m not a big fan of change. Big or small, it always seems to bring out some sort of fuss from me. I have a hard time with simple transitions that most people wouldn’t even consider being problematic. From buying a car to renewing a magazine subscription, my mind starts racing just thinking about it. That’s just the way I am wired. But, change is coming (whether I am ready for it or not).
I say that because the Christian’s life is full of change!
Ten years ago, God made the biggest change in my life — the day that He saved me. At that moment I was changed for eternity. That same change happened in you, Christian. We were changed from children of wrath to children of God. We went from spiritual death to spiritual life. We were changed from fruitless to fruitful, abandoned to adopted, forsaken to forgiven.
That’s not quite the change I’m talking about, however. The Bible also talks about the sanctification of the Believer, which is the ongoing work of God in our lives. He is continually changing us to be less like our old self, and more like Christ. You see, God didn’t just save us and then leave us hanging until He comes back. No, sanctification means that the more we grow in our faith from day to day, it’s actually God who’s at work in us.
This means that as we walk out into the city and meet the needs of other people, God is changing our hearts. As we turn from temptation and flee from sin, God is changing our desires. As we pray for the widows, orphans, and the lost, God is changing our affections.
Our God is a God who will never change, yet He is always changing us! Whether we wrestle with that change, or we embrace it with open arms, in every way it is for our good. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m not a big fan of change. But, when it comes to God changing me, I’ve never been more grateful! Be encouraged — He is never finished with us.
My friend, take a moment today to thank God for all the good He has done in your life. Pray for a heart like the Psalmist David — one who’s anticipating God to continue to change you!
Forever changed,
Bryan
Posted in A Word from the Pastor