Decisions Christians Can Make That Will Bring Lasting Change

I’ve been on a journey to see what decisions I can make as a Christian that will bring about lasting change.

My life isn’t “awful,” but I need some significant change!

Changes that last.

I feel like I’ve been wandering in the desert for forty years, seeing the same landmarks.

(This happened to the Israelite people after they left Egypt. You can read about it here.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2015%3A22-18%3A27&version=KJV

“Yep. There’s the hill that looks like a sleeping goat.”

“We’re coming up on that twig that Moses keeps calling a tree.”

Or better yet. These kinds of landmarks.

“Gee. Was that bill due now? I’ll have to use my credit card.”

“Dang it. I lost my temper again with my strong-willed son.”

Or the worst one.

The thoughts that come and scare the breath right out of me.

Over and over. The same despondency.

I’m not a depressed person. But seeing the same scenery over and over in a person’s life can tax even the most positive traveler.

It’s time to make changes that last.

But how?

What can I do to get from Point A to Point B without wandering around for another forty years?

I’ve been struggling with this in my devotions and would like to share my thoughts with you!

The first change we need to commit to is abiding in Christ.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

How often do I allow God a piece of my day and spend the rest alone? Do you do this?

I’m pretty sure this is the number one reason I’ve failed to find success and move forward in my life.

It may be a little embarrassing, but I think it’s true. My lack of success, or in other words, my lack of fruit, is because I have not been abiding in Christ.

I imagine that it’s kind of like not putting gas in my car and expecting it to go somewhere.

Filling up first on Jesus will help us move past the desert scenery.

Praying continually, reading and meditating on God’s Word, singing songs of praise, listening to sermons or devotionals, and spending time with other believers are great places to start.

We will need the very real power of the Holy Spirit to reach a different place in life.

Stop and take some time to identify the “real” issue.

There have been too many times in my life that I have fought the wrong battle.

I ignored the “real” battle and became hyper-focused on the “other” battles.

An example? For years, I spent every waking moment fighting neglect, verbal, and emotional abuse.

Because it was too scary to admit that my mate had chosen addictions over his marriage and his family.

It was easier to deal with the symptoms than the root of the problem.

That was a big one. Yep. I stayed there for years.

I did everything I could to “stretch the finances,” bring peace to the home, and to “please” him.

Wrong battle.

It wasn’t until I dealt with the addiction issue that I moved out of that desert. (If that is an area that you are dealing with now, this blog post will help.)

https://www.singlemomoutwest.com/alcohol-and-drug-addiction/

I wish I could say that after that, I caught on. But, nope. I still struggle with seeing the real battle. In fact, over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had another lesson in this.

I thought I was fighting a financial battle, but in truth, it was a battle of exhaustion and being “too busy.”

After taking some time to reflect, I realized that my overly busy lifestyle and exhaustion were leading me to make poor financial choices.

Now, I work Monday through Friday, take Saturdays to clean and organize, and actually rest on Sundays.

Stop and take the time to see what the “real” battle is.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Psalms 139:23

Once you have identified that real issue, stay faithful in addressing it.

This is so human. We have identified the problem, but we have terrible “follow-through.”

It’s like trying to keep hold of a slippery fish after you catch it. (Sorry, I raise boys, and I go fishing regularly.)

It takes focus and determination to “nail down” the problem.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord you labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrouded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverence the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2a NIV

Staying focused in this life is tricky. It will take self-control and focus. But the rewards will be many!

Lastly, spend time simply praising God.

King Jehosophat knew that praising God and acknowledging God’s presence would ensure victory in his battle, and it will in your battle also!

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD who should paise the beauty of holiness as they went out before the army, and to say, “Praise the LORD, for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Chronicles 20:21

There are times when we do not know what to do. But spending time in praise and worship will guide our next move.

It’s not an easy answer, but it is an attitude. And it helps to stop and recenter yourself before making decisions that will truly bring lasting change to your life.

Prayers for your journey,

Lacey