Change

I am a creature of habit. I'm very comfortable in my box of routine and I would be content to always remain there. God, on the other hand, has a different idea of what a productive life looks like. It's continually advancing, filled with growth and yes...change. That’s not a word I particularly like, but it's inevitable if we desire to move forward into all that God has for us. It's rarely sudden, though it can be. Usually it starts with a sense that He's about to do something new, but we have to trudge through molasses to get there. The "molasses" season is where we learn to dig deeper with God. It's a place where we are uncertain of the big picture, but we reach out for His hand in total surrender, obedience and trust. It's where we sign our eternal yes to His will and prepare for His mission in the training ground of prayer, worship and learning about His desires and promises through His Word. It’s where we are purged of the excess baggage we’ve been carrying and both humility and faith is developed. As we realize our insignificance without Him, we also understand our value in Him.

Life events can cause sudden change or it may take years, but don't be afraid to embrace it. It may start by becoming uncomfortable where we are and feeling like He’s nudging us into something new. The good thing is, that means God is active in our lives and He's taking us deeper into the center of His will. If you feel like your stagnant and not progressing, chances are you're sliding backwards. Put God back into the place He deserves in your life. Focus on Him and give Him your love and attention. Soon you'll be moving forward into all that He has for you! Change may be uncomfortable, but you will not have peace when you remain in a place that He no longer wants you to be.

The children of Israel followed the cloud and moved as He moved. Even as they settled into new territories and became comfortable where they were, they knew that there would be no peace, provision or protection unless they followed His lead.

Surrender to His will, it may not make sense or feel comfortable, but He’s got a plan and that’s exactly where you need to be! Stay pliable in His hands and don't get too set in your ways. If you feel like He’s leading you into new territory, take the first step and watch what He will do. Ask Him to open the doors that need to be opened and close those that need to be closed and trust Him every step of the way!

Romans 12:1-2 (MSG) So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Numbers 9:17 (NLT) Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.