Barbra Gentry-Pugh

The Power of CHANGE

October 14, 2024

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)

“Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 (NASB).

It has been said that CHANGE is one of the great constants of life. Change happens to each of us. Life is full of changes, and few things remain stable. It does not matter if it is slow and gradual attrition of time or swift and devastating moments of trauma, change happens to everyone.

Yesterday, I was blessed with the awesome opportunity to share a message on “The Power of Change is in Our Hands” as the Women’s Day Speaker with Pastor Audrey Mangum at Conant Avenue United Methodist Church Detroit, Michigan, at the 11:00 a.m. service. What a blessing to share with such beautiful women of God.

Many things in life change; people change; relationships change; jobs change; and technology change; actually, life itself can be described as a process of continual change. In this life, we often see change happening right in front of our eyes!

What is one area of your life that you feel needs change, but you’ve been hesitant to take action on? Change is not merely an event; it’s a powerful force that shapes our lives, challenges our comfort, and awakens our potential. It calls us to step into the unknown with courage, for it is in the process of change that we discover the strength, wisdom, and purpose we never knew we had.

St. Augustine, a renowned theologian says, “God does not change, but He uses change to change us.” It is through life’s shifts and transitions that we discover new potential that we had no idea was present. It unlocks hidden strength, and we rise to meet our higher calling, and many times discover our purpose.”

CHANGE is the Heartbeat of GROWTH. It interrupts our routines, dismantles the familiar, and pushes us toward new horizons. While it may seem uncomfortable or even unsettling, change is the bridge between who we are and who we are meant to become.

It demands courage, resilience, and faith to walk through its doors. But in the very process of change, we uncover strengths we didn’t know we had, discover possibilities we never imagined, and realize that every shift is an opportunity to become more aligned with our purpose.

God Desires to Change Us on the Inside. We work hard and spend a lot of money to keep our outward appearance attractive, but what is in our hearts is even more important. The way we are deep down (where others can’t see) matters much to God. What are you like inside? When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside. He will continue the process of change inside them if they only ask. God wants us to seek healthy thoughts and motives, not just healthy food and good exercise. 2 Corinthians 5:17, say “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!

You May Say, I Know There are Things in My Life I Should CHANGE, But How?

Change comes as the result of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

Acts 9:1-22. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, sir?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus.”

God calls not only for a change of heart but a change of behavior.

Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord. “if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

We do not change to receive God’s approval; we change as a response to God’s love. John 8:1-11. “Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

The truth of God’s Word produces change only when it is allowed to penetrate deep into our hearts. Mark 4:1-20. The good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s message and produce a huge harvest.

Change begins with honest repentance. Acts 3:12-19. Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins.

You may also Ask How Do I CHANGE The Areas In My Life That Need CHANGE?

If you haven’t repented of your sins, this is the greatest change in your life you need to make Acts 3:19 Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins.

Real and dynamic change occurs when we ask God for a new heart filled with Christ’s love, a new spirit to show us how to live, a new way of thinking, and a new attitude. Psalm 51:10. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Ephesians 4:23-24. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness-righteous, holy, and true.

Be Patient With Yourself as Change is Often a Process.

Colossians 3:10. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.

HEART CHALLENGE: Decide Today To Be Empowered to Change for God’s Glory: The power of change is not just for our personal growth but to glorify God and impact others. When we allow God to change us, our lives become testimonies of His grace and power. This empowers us to inspire others to embrace change in their own lives. For example, in Philippians 4:13 Paul says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV) God’s strength enables us to step into change with courage and faith.

Some often resist change due to fear of the unknown, loss of control, or comfort in the familiar. However, God calls us to trust Him and move forward in faith. When we resist change, we limit the work God wants to do in us. By trusting in Him, we can overcome the fear and hesitation that often accompany transitions.

Be Empowered to Engage in the Practical Applications For Change:

Surrender to God’s Will: Ask God to reveal the areas in your life where He is calling you to change. Surrender your plans, habits, and thoughts to Him.

Renew Your Mind Daily: Meditate on Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to renew your thoughts. This prepares you to embrace the changes God wants to bring.

Trust God’s Timing: Often, God’s change happens in stages. Trust His timing and don’t rush the process. He knows the best way to shape you for His purposes.

Embrace Growth: Spiritual, emotional, and personal growth happens through change. Each challenge or shift is an opportunity to develop resilience and deepen your relationship with God.

Allow God to use change to shape you into the person He has destined you to be, opening up a world of possibilities that can only come through growth movement, and transformation. While change can be difficult, it is also the method for unlocking the full potential God has placed inside you. Change gives you the power to embrace new beginnings, grow in character, and trust God more deeply.

AN CHANGED HEART: In Acts 9:15 the Apostle Paul is a great example. He turned his life completely around to serve Christ. God calls ordinary people, often when they least expect it, to fulfill extraordinary purposes. It’s about willingness, not perfection.

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your inspired Word that provides us with clear instructions on how we can change from the inside out, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.