We have all been guilty of it: that is, taking for granted that the life we are living will not change. Now, change can be seen as an improvement, or an inconvenience, but at this time of year, change is more of an unsettling surprise, even if the change is a good change. The reality is if you want to see change, then something has to change.

In the moment, it may not feel like it’s for the best, because we are often moved out of our comfort zones, but to experience life changes that will grow us spiritually, we must be willing to allow the Lord to work in our lives. It may require getting rid of some things to make room for the more important blessings that the Lord desires for us. Are we willing to go through this time of adjustment?

I can admit that when the Lord is ready to take me through a time of spiritual growth it is not always easy. I have found that I may spend more time in prayer and even doubt myself. Did I really hear from God or is it just my own selfish desires that is moving me in this direction? Am I putting God’s agenda, first, before my own? Who will get the glory for what the Lord is leading me to do? Will it be man’s praise that I desire? or, am I more hopeful that the Lord will accept my offering of love and service?

Many times, people who are in ministry have a tendency to shy away from the limelight. It makes them uncomfortable, as it should. To God be all the glory, and honor, and power, Amen!

In the world we are living in, change sometimes moves us out of our comfort zone, and into a place where we are fearful of devastating landmines (those unplanned circumstances that interrupts our agendas) It can be a bit unsettling if we aren’t flexible. Instead of handling problems as they come, we spend our time trying to avoid them all as they are relentlessly hurled at us through space. They continue to pile up, and we become so overwhelmed trying to fix everything, that we don’t even know where to start.

Honestly, it may even require us to hide somewhere behind a barrier, temporarily, so we can catch our breath. The refuge that I run to is my prayer closet. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. The time spent in prayer is sufficient to recharge you to face another day. It puts life in perspective. Nothing is too hard for God so when we talk to the Lord, we can have a peace that passes all understanding. He is high and lifted up and his train fills the temple. The Lord has won every battle that he has fought on our behalf. No sports team ever recorded can boast of that kind of statistic.

Then, if God is on the winning side, wouldn’t it make sense for us to seek after him? I want to follow the one who always wins. It isn’t easy to stand alone, but if I must do that to be saved, then, so be it. I have a made up mind to live for the Lord, and worship him in spirit and in truth. No weapon formed against me shall prosper, so I might as well learn how to be the change that is pleasing to the Lord, and encourage as many people as I meet to live for the Lord. After all, he is the winner, and if we stand with him, we can never lose.

In this week’s Lattereign, we look at how distracted people can be this time of year. It is a reminder to never forget who we serve and how blessed we are to be able to do so.

‘Twas the Night Before Jesus Came