XV
Change
‘The spirit of the Lord will come upon you and you will prophesy...
Change
‘The spirit of the Lord will come upon you and you will prophesy...
and you will be changed into another person...’ – 1 Samuel 10:6
Recently I read these words once again and have been unable to get them out of my mind. It has struck me forcibly how much they say to us, although first spoken centuries ago. Perhaps it is because these words are saying so much about us? Do we see what God wants to do in us?
The idea of change can provoke strong feelings of resistance. On the other hand, people look to lifestyle gurus (of whom there seems to be no lack) by reading their books and attending seminars promising life change. Can the advice ‘Change your life in a minute’ be taken at face value? Change like a chrysalis changing into a butterfly! Been there, tried that? The fact that there are so many would-be counselors may only reflect our inner desire to be different.
How do you feel about your life at the present? Have you tried to make changes which like New Year’s resolutions have not lasted? Has this left you with a sense of frustration? In the quiet as you ponder these things, ask God to speak to you in reassurance. Ask him to remind you of his purpose that one day you (and all Christians) will be changed beyond our present understanding.
What does the quotation above say to us? The person addressed is promised three things. The Spirit of God is sent to begin the process of change. As a way of bringing change, it differs from any human solution because there is an external power at work. When we read Jesus’ promise that God our Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him, we who live today can claim that same gift of the Spirit.
For a few moments, reflect on the Spirit and his power. A power beyond our natural experience –his coming into human lives produces change. The wonder of what he does is that it has a transforming effect that may begin quite suddenly but which continues as a process – ‘we are being changed’. Seen on an apron – be patient God hasn’t finished with me yet.
The sign that God is changing something on the inside might take you outside your comfort zone. You may not think that you could ever operate in the area where natural abilities take second place in order to let God speak through you; remember that the promise ‘you will prophesy’ was new for this man. This gift is one of nine that accompany the coming of the Spirit and seek God to find out what he wants to give you. Rather like a present left unopened, we may leave on one side the gift God has given us.
It is time for change.
The idea of change can provoke strong feelings of resistance. On the other hand, people look to lifestyle gurus (of whom there seems to be no lack) by reading their books and attending seminars promising life change. Can the advice ‘Change your life in a minute’ be taken at face value? Change like a chrysalis changing into a butterfly! Been there, tried that? The fact that there are so many would-be counselors may only reflect our inner desire to be different.
How do you feel about your life at the present? Have you tried to make changes which like New Year’s resolutions have not lasted? Has this left you with a sense of frustration? In the quiet as you ponder these things, ask God to speak to you in reassurance. Ask him to remind you of his purpose that one day you (and all Christians) will be changed beyond our present understanding.
What does the quotation above say to us? The person addressed is promised three things. The Spirit of God is sent to begin the process of change. As a way of bringing change, it differs from any human solution because there is an external power at work. When we read Jesus’ promise that God our Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him, we who live today can claim that same gift of the Spirit.
For a few moments, reflect on the Spirit and his power. A power beyond our natural experience –his coming into human lives produces change. The wonder of what he does is that it has a transforming effect that may begin quite suddenly but which continues as a process – ‘we are being changed’. Seen on an apron – be patient God hasn’t finished with me yet.
The sign that God is changing something on the inside might take you outside your comfort zone. You may not think that you could ever operate in the area where natural abilities take second place in order to let God speak through you; remember that the promise ‘you will prophesy’ was new for this man. This gift is one of nine that accompany the coming of the Spirit and seek God to find out what he wants to give you. Rather like a present left unopened, we may leave on one side the gift God has given us.
It is time for change.
No comments:
Post a Comment