“If you can only accept change when given a guaranteed positive outcome then your future is concluded by your limitations.”

With the U.S. election of our next president coming swiftly there’s a lot of dialogue about change.  There’s talk of the need for change, promises for change, ideas for change.  Much of what is being proposed is very needful and cannot be disputed.  However one is left to wonder just how much can and will be changed.

In order for change to take place in an individual’s life they have to be open for change.  In other words we must submit to change!  Who must we submit to? God, the Father of Life, the author and finisher of all. Ecclesiastes 3 spells out in great detail that God predetermines the event of each life He has created. This passage of scripture is very familiar to many, however we still find ourselves at a “tug of war” game with God.  He wants to move us out of our comfort zone (where we’ve been far too long) but we’re rooted and grounded like cement!  Sometimes we’re not even happy where we are or with the status of things but determine at least I’m safe here and it’s familiar.  

When you look at the word “change”, if you exchange the letter “g” with the letter “c” you have “chance”.  Well you probably have guessed where I’m going.  Change requires taking a chance!  You might be talking back to me by saying, “I’m not a risk taker”. Anyone who truly follows God has to be a risk taker. Taking a risk with God takes on a whole different meaning than taking a risk with another human being. When taking a risk with God you’re simply saying God I don’t why, I don’t know how, I don’t know what, but what I DO know is that you have all the answers and you are working everything out for my good!  Therefore I trust YOU GOD! Verse 11 – 13 of Ecclesiastes 3 of the Holman Christian Standard Bible translation states this;

“He has made everything appropriate in its time.  He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end.  I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life.  It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.  I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it.  God works so that people will be in awe of Him.”

If you can only accept change when given a guaranteed  positive outcome then your future is concluded by your limitations.  When reading the first 8 verses of chapter 3 I came to realize that sometimes God makes drastic changes.  That really takes us out of our comfort zone, right?  Drastic doesn’t leave a margin for the gradual and progressive stages of change.  It is often immediate and resolute.  The decision is made / action is taken!  As harsh as it may seem to our finite minds, when we come to understand that everything God does is for our benefit it sheds a whole new revelation on change and time.  Instead of working against God’s timing and change; work with Him.  It’s guaranteed that you’ll be in awe of Him every time!

Source: First Lady Denise