By Cyndi
Who likes change? Most of us would probably answer, “Not me.” Change is making the form, nature, or content of something different than what it would be if it were left alone. (dictionary.com) It is a transformation of a sort.
I read the Word where we’re to be “transformed by the renewing of our mind,” and whole-heartedly say, “Amen!” (Rom. 12:2) Yet, when the opportunity arises to actually walk this out—move out of my comfort zone—well, that’s a lot harder to agree with.
Recently Robert and I were at a church holding a conference, and beforehand I was hanging out with the greeters at the door. That’s cool. I like hugging people, smiling at them, welcoming them into a Father’s Love meeting. Then a car pulled up with a disabled person in it. One of the greeters quickly stepped in to help the fellow out and I heard clearly from the Lord, “Go help her get him out of the car.” Lo and behold I suddenly felt uncomfortable! This was unfamiliar territory to me. I’ve never worked with nor been around many handicapped people throughout my life yet the challenge was put right there before me — Change!
We (mostly them) managed to get this fellow out of the car, into his wheelchair, and into the building in which, afterwards, I returned to my comfortable role of greeting people. It had felt extremely awkward but I knew that “stretching” had taken place in me and it was good.
I’ve been involved in the Father’s Love message for many years now, yet God continues to find ways to move me deeper into it. I simply need to keep growing. And, many times, I need to learn to be uncomfortable for growth to happen. We all do.
Change is a part of the growth process. It’s a process of transformation, and that can be scary sometimes. It’s an “unknown.” But love causes us to change. And change gets us unstuck from our normal, ho-hum life into the exciting, adventurous, yet risky life of living like Christ.
A few days ago I was walking past a man who was working on some machinery in the building. I’d seen him there often, he was the maintenance guy, just doing his job. Then I heard Love Himself speak to me, “Tell that man he’s doing a great job and that you appreciate him keeping things working here.” Now, I’m not a super out-going personality and these things don’t come natural for me, but I told the man what the Lord told me to say. There was no earth-shattering response where he all of a sudden felt God’s presence and wanted to get saved. In fact, he may have been slightly bothered by me interrupting him. But I kept my comment short and sweet — dusting a little love onto him — and moved on. Once again I was being stretched to grow.
So now I’m asking you — Change. Grow. Develop your skills to show love. It’s difficult at times, I know. But how will we ever change the world if we, ourselves, are not willing to change?