God is for “Change”

There is only much change that a person can handle. That is true. But sometimes we resist change since we are already comfortable with what we have, where we are, and how we are doing. Despite this comfort, many times in the Bible, God shakes this comfort zone to change someone according to what He wills for them.

A piece of good evidence is when God changed the names of Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, and even Saul to Paul (though Saul is the Hebrew name for Paul; there was a change of identity from using Saul to Paul after he became a Christian).

Moreover, God changes people’s places from one to another. Abraham from Ur to the promised land of Canaan. The Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, again. Peter to the Gentiles. Paul to Macedonia.

Other than names and places, God changes our hearts from stone to flesh (Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26); from the old to the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17); and from a wicked self to a new righteous self (Ephesians 4:22-24). God changes our lives both outward and inward.

Finally, at the consummation of all things in this world, everything will be ultimately changed to a paradise where pain, suffering, brokenness, and tears are no longer present (Revelation 21 and 22).

Following this biblical logic, Christians should expect ‘change’ in their lives. Not only on a personal level but also on a communal one. It is true that change is the only constant thing in this world. Therefore, we look ahead to prepare ourselves for this change that God uses as an avenue to shape us, make us better, and more complete. In theological terms, this is called sanctification–being made holy each passing day.

Let us have the attitude of King David after being broken, and rebuked, in Psalm 51:10, he sang “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Like Paul’s command, we ought to “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). It will be a rough road to some, yet let God encounter us at this moment to change us according to His will.

Renewal anaikanoo (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) pertains to the process of change. There is a development each time we experience change. Indeed, we become different people each day. Your experience yesterday adds up to your former self. Nevertheless, the principle of change in biblical terms—or the term being renewed—is that it leads to a certain goal. A person is not only being changed each day for no purpose. It is a biblical reality that Christians are being renewed each day towards Christlikeness (Colossians 3:10).

Is there something that you feel like God is calling you to change? Are you in the process of change right now? Remember God is there with you before, during, and even after this moment of change. Trust God and see that He is for change.