Are we Adaptable to Change?

I love how the Lord worded this question to me, as I drove home one evening.

This question seems to come up, in coaching, counselling, and ministering sessions in both business and personal life over the years, Are you open to change?

We seem to be able to change gear and direction in our cars, when we walk, run or play sport. But what about in Life, are we open to change, or do we resist it?

How timely is this as we are all in Lockdown and the reality of are we adaptable to change is here and something we are getting to address.

I remember sitting with a very strong man of the faith who had worried look on his face. When I asked him what was worrying him, he took a breath and explained how after many year of amazing intimacy with his wife. He now had a problem that was affecting this area of his relationship with his wife and hence affecting other areas of their relationship too. Will you pray for me he said?

Why I remember this moment with the man was because of what came out of my mouth. “What an amazing opportunity to change the way you do things in this area of your relationship. To see this area go to a new level of fulfilment for both of you.

Let’s recap that, he asked for healing and instead got an invitation to go to a new level in intimacy with his wife! When we caught up a few months later he updated me that now this area of their relationship was flourishing, amazing, and more than they dreamed it could be! So good right?

Yes, but why and how did it happen? This man and his wife were open to embracing change, that’s it, the both embraced the invitation to change. How it started for them, was a choice made to sit with each other and God, and both say YES to the invitation of change, and wow what a result and benefit! They walked into a new level of intimacy together.

This is the real rubber hits the road, decision hits, will we keep going with what we know  even if it’s not working, will we give up, stop showing up, put this part of the relationship aside, and justify it with excuses, like age, medical issues, business, hobbies or distraction.

What we would do in the situation, I wonder? And what about those words the Lord used and offered through me to the couple.

“What an amazing opportunity to change the way you do things in this area of your relationship. To see this area go to a new level of fulfilment for both of you”.

Here’s the Breakdown points:

1. Are you willing to Change your view of the problem?
2. To see it is in fact an invitation to a new level!
3. To sit and talk with each other & God in a place of vulnerability and transparency?
4. To ask the Lord questions, what do we need to change? And how?
5. To listen and apply what He is saying!
6. To do and be the change, in essence to BE BRAVE & COURAGEOUS and break up with the old way to choose the new.

Although this is only part of the relationship it was affecting other parts of the relationship, in fact probably every part of the relationship because when one piece is missing or not working properly it will affect every other part! Read that again and let it sink in!

This is the same in all relationships whether it’s emotional, physical or spiritual, each and every part is reliant on each other. So when one changes it brings transformation in every area good or bad, which is why the Lord lead me to share this testimony that is so personal and took total vulnerability and transparency but the reward was incredible.

So Are we adaptable to change?

Joshua 1:7-8 is a perfect example of how to change your mindset that often confronts us in places or intersections of change in our life.  Here are some keys to meditate on:

1. be strong and courageous
2. be careful to obey His Word
3. do not turn from His Word to the left or right,
4. do not let the His word depart from your mouth,
5. and meditate on the Word of God day and night.

Embracing Change takes: courageous thoughts and obedience, determination, strength, declaration and constant review of His promise.

We’ll continue with part 2 the final part, next time, for now here’s your challenge.

Challenge Time: Grab some space, your journal and time with the Lord to record all He says.

1. Lord in embracing change keys would you show me which I do well?

2. Now would you show me which I could do better in and how to?

3. Lord You know my (struggles, hard parts, sticky bits) what’s my view point?

4. Now what’s the truth, Your view point?

5. Lord show me when and where I turned to the left or right? 

6. Now how do I turn back to the straight path? 

7. Accountability, Lord who are you asking I be vulnerable with this struggle, hard thing, and speak Your view of it with, so it can become a flourishing, amazing, and better than ever imagined, dreamed or could think area? (Ephesians 3:20)

8. Worship Him in Praise and personal prayer as Holy Spirit leads you.

Father thank You, that You so Faithfully invite us to embrace change through the wooing of our hearts by Holy Spirit. Help us to choose to see people and circumstances with Your eyes and view, so that we experience transformation and enjoyment in these areas, and the fulfilment of your promises to us. Hallelujah. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Craig and Winnie Patten Itinerate Pastors/Apostolic Leaders. Encounter Ministries