Change can be tough and challenge even the most steadfast of believers. It can be a true test of faith and cause us to reevaluate our beliefs, values, and priorities.
And yes, it can sometimes cause us to question our relationship with Yehovah – and His relationship with us.
The truth is, though, change is biblical. The Bible is filled with stories of change, from Adam and Eve, to the Israelites and Moses, to the disciples on the road to Ephesus, to Paul and his fantastic journey to truth. Change is a constant, especially in the life of a believer.
If you aren’t changing, then you aren’t growing. Growth is initiated by change, facilitated by it, and a byproduct of it.
If you are going to live this life walking with Yehovah, a life of holiness, you should be living in expectation of it.
Yehovah built it into nature with the changing seasons – as well as the seasons of our lives.
What does the Bible Say About Change?
Actually, the Bible has a lot to say about change, but Ecclesiastes 3:1 pretty much sums it up on a nutshell.
To everything there is a season,
Ecclesiastes 3:1
A time for every purpose under heaven
Change is inevitable.
This is especially true the closer you get to Yehovah.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 2:12
The more He draws you unto Him, the farther you move from the world. This means that you will be putting a lot of things down and picking up other things. The more you pursue holiness, the more changes you will experience.
And some changes may not be comfortable or fun. Some may be downright painful.
But as Yehovah leads you through them, He will reward your obedience and faithfulness with His many blessings and promises that are throughout scripture – because they aren’t for everyone. They are for those who are faithful to Him and who obey Him.
8“But you, Israel, are My servant,
Isaiah 41:8-10
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.
9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth,
And called from its farthest regions,
And said to you,
‘You are My servant,
I have chosen you and have not cast you away:
10 Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
When you choose Yehovah, choose to be obedient and submitted to Him, through repentance, baptism, and the infilling of His spirit, you are grafted in to Israel. You are one of His.
If you pay attention, every single one comes with a prerequisite either before or after. Context is important.
Why does Yehovah Want us to Change?
Change is necessary if you truly want to be holy as He is holy. You must experience change if you want to be more like Yeshua.
Change brings growth, but it also brings you closer to Yehovah. It holds the promise of a more fulfilling life and more intimacy with your creator. It increases your faith and gives you powerful testimonies.
Change makes you stronger, smarter, and wiser.
We need to change if we want to be close to Yehovah. You can come as you are, but you can’t stay that way.
It begins with repentance and a pursuit of holiness. You may feel completely uprooted at times, but if you keep your trust in Him and cast your cares upon Him, you can maintain rightness of mind and a steadfast faith.
You will also weather the storms a little easier.
How do You Know that it’s Yehovah Making the Change?
When Yehovah moves you or begins change within you, it may not always be obvious that He is the one doing it. This is where knowing His voice is so important.
Not all voices that you hear are from Yehovah.
So how do you know His voice? First, it will not violate scripture. Yehovah will never direct you to go against scripture, so if you feel something is leading you to do something but it doesn’t agree with scripture, then you need to check that voice.
Test the spirits.
If doors are opening or closing, that’s also a good indication of Yehovah-directed change. He will close opportunities for growth and open doors that lead to change and growth.
You want to make sure that you are in the will of Yehovah in all that you do, so you should be praying every day that He opens all doors that lead to His will and closes all doors that lead away from it.
Closed doors can look like opportunities that dry up, His provision shifts, or you feel a great sense of being unsettled in your spirit.
When these things happen, begin to pray for direction, discernment, and wisdom. Then be open and willing to submit to Him regardless of how it makes you feel. Keep an attitude of obedience and allow Him to lead you.
How to Embrace Change Spiritually (and with a good attitude!)
Change can be messy and even scary. Here is some scripture to help you keep the right perspective and attitude.
Yehovah Never Changes
No matter how much the world changes, Yehovah never will. He is the one stable thing you can count on, so put your trust in Him.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Matthew 24:35
He doesn’t change. He is always the same. This should also guide your beliefs. If you see something that looks like He changed, inspect it deeper, dig in and study. There are many voices out there that teach things in His word that He changed. They don’t truly understand scripture.
“For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Malachi 3:6
Anticipate the Growth that Comes with Your Change
Yehovah is calling us out of the world, which means that we are not to be like the world. Scripture tells us how corrupt the world is and how it affects us, separating us from Yehovah. But when we are obedient and come out of the world, our mind is renewed, and we are transformed.
That means some big and often uncomfortable changes, but just remember that He is renewing your mind and making you holy so that you can draw closer to Him.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2
Give your Anxieties and Worries to Him
Yehovah did not give us a spirit of fear, the Bible tells us that. Yet so many will cling to it, listening to every horrific thing it whispers in their ear.
Fear is of the world.
We have power over fear. We can tell it to leave. We can rebuke it. We can tell it to shut its ugly, demonic mouth.
And you can call on Yehovah.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Anxiety is a distraction and is a huge hindrance in your walk with Yehovah. It is a lack of trust which affects your relationship with Him.
Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship.
And worry is a sin. Sin separates us from Yehovah, but He is willing to take it – all we have to do is give it to Him.
Submit to the Will of Yehovah
Obedience is essential for a relationship with Yehovah. Obedience is His love language.
If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:15
This means submitting to His will and not your own. It means following Yehovah and not man. It means putting Him FIRST in your life, above all.
You must obey Him regardless of what the world says.
Keep a Right Attitude
Attitude is everything. It will affect your mood, and it will even affect those around you. It’s OK to acknowledge how difficult change can be, but don’t let yourself ruminate on the negative aspects of it. If you feel that darkness coming over you, recognize that it’s a demonic influence attempting to cause you to doubt Yehovah’s provision, goodness, and faithfulness.
Let scripture guide you. Praise in all seasons, the easy and the difficult. Pray for strength and endurance. Seek after the Holy Spirit and allow Him to comfort you during your low points.
Take some time to seek out all the promises and blessings in the Bible. Look for all the things that Yehovah promises to those who obey Him and are faithful to Him. It will blow your mind!
And it will keep your mind focused on the right thing while shielding it from the darkness that wants to destroy you.
Help Someone Else
One of the best ways to manage the difficult times is to help someone else. There are so many ways you can bless others!
Make some time each week to help someone and show them the face of Yeshua. You will be amazed at how it makes you feel.
Embrace and Anticipate Yehovah-Driven Change
Yehovah never said that living this life would be easy, but He did say it would be worth it.
Embrace it and anticipate the newness that change brings. Look forward to the growth. Be excited for the next adventure that Yehovah is leading you to.
Will you struggle? Probably.
But the struggle is what makes you strong.
As you break out of that cocoon, you use muscles you may have never used before. It prepares you for what you will encounter next and gives you testimonies that will inspire others.
Just trust Him.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Have you experienced Yehovah-led change in your life? What lessons did you learn? How did the experience transform you or mature you?
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