Early Christians faced numerous challenges, including government persecution, adhering to a different set of beliefs, and striving to do what is right in an immoral world. These issues are not unique to the first century but continue to be relevant today.
How do you cope with the challenges you encounter?
James tells his readers that it is possible to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations.
Do you find joy, even in the smallest amount amid trials and temptations?
This is achievable for Christians because they have a long-term perspective. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1.2-3 ESV)
Steadfastness, when fully developed, helps Christians become mature and complete (James 1:4). A long-term perspective has its advantages.
Christians know that things in life work towards a greater good because they have a God who cares for their well-being. James encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom, as He will grant it to those who have faith (James 1:5-8).
From time to time, I will share a variety of topics related to personal growth and development. These thoughts are part of what we do at the Preacher’s Pen, but also related to our efforts at 4031 Coaching.
Today, we will mention a few tips and strategies on “Embracing Change.” Change affects every aspect of our lives from family, work, church, etc. We are all impacted by change and how it gives us opportunity.
Here are a few thoughts to share.
Embracing Change
Change is an inevitable part of life, and it can be challenging to navigate. However, with the right mindset and tools, you can learn to embrace change and use it as an opportunity for personal growth and development.
Here are some tips and strategies to help you deal with change in a positive and productive way.
#1 – Acceptance
The first step in dealing with change is acceptance. As the saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.” Life is always changing, and the sooner you can accept this fact, the easier it will be to adapt to new situations. Remember, acceptance doesn’t mean giving up or being passive; it means acknowledging the reality of the situation and choosing to move forward.
Sometimes, change is an opportunity to get out of our comfort zone and move forward. Remember, Abram and God asking him to pack up everything and move. That is one change in his life that brought great opportunity.
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
Remember, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8.28
#2 – Don’t Get Too Comfortable
It’s easy to become comfortable in our routines and resist change. However, change often happens when we least expect it, and it’s important to be prepared for anything that comes our way. By staying open to new experiences and being willing to step outside of our comfort zones, we can build resilience and learn to adapt to change more easily.
Our comfort can give way to apathy. An individual may become so comfortable, they find themselves complacent and apathetic toward moving forward.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts
Remember, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12.2
#3 – Talk About Your Feelings Towards Change
Change can bring up a range of emotions, and it’s important to acknowledge and express these feelings. Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling, whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others can help you feel supported and understood, and it can also provide new perspectives and insights.
As Christians, we can talk to our spiritual family. Most importantly, we should be taking to God. (Philippians 4.6) Throughout change, our communication with God should be a priority.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
Remember, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5.7
#4 – Try to Turn the Change in Your Favor
Change can be challenging, but it can also present new opportunities. Try to look for the silver lining in the situation and see if there are any ways you can turn the change to your advantage. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth and development. The change we are experiencing may work out to be a great opportunity that we can imagine.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl
Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4.13
#5 – Keep Changes You Can Control to a Minimum
Change can be overwhelming, especially when it happens all at once. If you have control over the changes in your life, try to introduce them gradually to give yourself time to adjust. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
There are times in our life where changes bring worry. Those times of worry are moments we probably want to avoid. As Christians, if we believe God is in control of our lives, then our worries should be made known to Him. Consider the words of Christ in Matthew 6.19-34)
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Socrates
Remember, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14.33
#6 – Join Support Groups
Sometimes, change can be so significant that we need the support of others who are going through similar experiences. Consider joining a support group to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can be incredibly helpful and healing.
The biggest support group Christians have is their brothers and sisters in Christ. As we pray for one another, support one another, and look out for one another, we should know we are loved. The experience of like-minded brothers and sisters will help us gain much throughout life. They will be a support network we can count on.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Remember, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10.24-25
#7 – Trust Your Instincts
When faced with change, it’s important to trust your instincts and listen to your inner voice. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to speak up or remove yourself from the situation. Remember, you are the expert on your own life, and you know what’s best for you.
You might trust yourself because of your experience and ability but remember the One who designed you with your strengths and abilities. We have gained much in this life, but never forget the One who gave us those opportunities.
“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” – Benjamin Spock
Remember, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3.5-6
#8 – Change Can Lead to Unforeseen Opportunities
Change can be scary, but it can also open up new doors and opportunities. By staying open to new experiences and embracing change, you may discover new passions, meet new people, and find new paths in life. Remember, every ending is a new beginning.
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
Remember, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Here are a Few Actionable Steps
Practice acceptance by acknowledging the reality of the situation and choosing to move forward.
Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new to build resilience and adaptability.
Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling and seek support if needed.
Look for the silver lining in the situation and see if there are any ways you can turn the change to your advantage.
Introduce changes gradually if possible, to give yourself time to adjust.
Join a support group to connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
Trust your instincts and listen to your inner voice.
Stay open to new experiences and opportunities that may arise from change.
Remember, change is a natural part of life, and with the right mindset, tools, and God, you can learn to embrace it and use it as an opportunity for personal growth and development.
Keep moving forward, and trust that everything will work out in the end.
If you are a Christian, your change to live for Christ is powerful. Consider Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5.17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
The walls of the pit must have seemed higher than a building as it blocked out the sun while his brothers looked down at him. The only thing he had done was to share the dreams he had over the past few nights. His brother became furious at his interpretation of the dreams. His brothers disliked the more he obeyed his father. Now, he is in a pit… just waiting.
The next step would take him farther from home. His brothers ended up selling him to slave traders. He ended up being sold again to the captain of the military guard in Egypt. Now he was a servant in a foreign land far from home. In a short time, he went from being the most loved son of his father to being a servant in a God-less kingdom.
Even though he was in a foreign land, the Lord watched over him and brought him to a place of prominence in the empire. Long story short, he ended up in prison for doing what was right. His choice of the right thing ended up putting him in the wrong place.
How can a man stay true to who he is called to be when, at every height, there is a rocky bottom?
Whether a pit or a foreign prison, he was at the bottom again?
What do you do when everyone turns their back on you?
Joseph stayed faithful. The Lord blessed Joseph in prison and each blessing brought him success. (Genesis 39.21-23)
Joseph uses his abilities. Not only was Joseph faithful, but he used his gifts to bless those around him. (Genesis 40.1-15)
Joseph remembered God. As God remembered Joseph, Joseph remembered the way God had blessed him and he looked into the future. (Genesis 41.50.52)
Which one do you want? Like by people or loved by God?
Well, I know the answer already. You choose to be loved by God over being liked by people; each of us does. However, is that how you live?
In some way, each of us wants people to like us. We live at a time when we can write things online and people “Like” or “make it a favorite.”
Do you remember Ananias and Sapphira?
I am sure we remember how Ananias lied to the apostles regarding the money given and how he immediately died. We remember Sapphira arriving shortly afterward and lying to the apostles, as she agreed with her husband. We remember how she died too. (Acts 5.1-11)
However, why would they agree to lie? Did they think more people would like them because of their actions?
I am going out on a limb and say that Ananias and Sapphira saw something you and I might forget; they saw Barnabas. Acts chapter 4 closes with the account of Barnabas and his heart of true giving. Barnabas, the son of encouragement, sold a field and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4.36-37)
Following the account of the generosity of Barnabas is the deathly account of Ananias and Sapphira. As Barnabas did a great thing, Ananias and Sapphira chose to sin. Did Ananias and Sapphira choose to lie because they wanted to be liked as well as Barnabas?
The world may never know. However, do you choose to be liked by men or loved by God?
The New Testament speaks of growing churches differently than men. A quick reading of Paul’s letters shows the emphasis of growth on the spiritual matters of the congregation more than the physical numbers. Consider passages such as Romans 1.8,
“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.”
Paul was thankful because of their faith, not their physical numbers. Paul knew the faith of the congregation in Rome was the #1 factor he could hear about their works. I could mention the same of several other congregations to whom Paul wrote. It was their faith being mentioned, not numbers.
The faith of a congregation comes down to the individual level. Simply put, if a congregation has faithful members, then the likelihood of it being a faithful congregation is great. Congregations are a family who depend on each other to build each other up (Hebrews 3.13; 1 Thessalonians 5.11). As each member builds their faith, it becomes an encouragement to all to keep pressing on and to not grow weary. (Philippians 3.13-4; Galatians 6.9)
