I’ve been contemplating the idea of change recently. There are two types of people in the world; those who embrace change and those who quiver at the word. We live in an ever-changing world… and society it seems is looking for stability like never before. It’s alarming going out to public these days seeing 3 out of 5 people staring at their phones, all the while missing out on true connection with the world around them. We are bombarded with billboards, ads, commercials…so much noise that we get whiplash trying to keep up.
Speaking of change, my life has changed dramatically in the last few months. My family moved across the country, and we have been in the midst of building a new life and launching many new things. Sure, some things are the same; the important things like family and our core values. But in so many other ways my life has turned upside down. It has given me an unexpected opportunity to pause and take inventory. Honestly, I feel grateful! In the midst of everything in my life coming to a screeching halt, God gave me the invitation to push “reset” and I took it.
The word “reset” means: “to set again or to do differently”. Many of us would like to do things differently in our lives but are so stuck in a routine or commitment that it feels impossible. We get so comfortable with the way things are. The amount of effort it would take to make a change may lead us to quickly rethink our decision and settle back into the same old life we are living. When Jesus stepped out into public ministry, he extended the invitation to twelve men along the way to “RESET” their lives. Many of them were already settled in their careers, such as being a fisherman or tax collector. His invitation to, “reset” wasn’t easy in any way shape or form. In fact, it would cost them everything! But the invitation to “reset” came with purpose and fulfillment, more than they even knew in that moment! They had a choice to make; to take a step of faith to transform from what they knew… to become something more. In fact, we often think of just the twelve disciples, but Jesus gave this invitation to many more people that declined his offer.
Read to this account from scripture:
Matthew 10:17-24 – As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?” But Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not give false testimony, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth.” Looking at him, Jesus showed love to him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But he was deeply dismayed by these words, and he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!”
Here Jesus extends the offer to the man in verse 21. He says, “come and follow me”. But in order to do so he must leave his old life behind. He must truly push that “reset” button…and this was something the man was just not able to do. I can understand his heart position. I’ve been there myself sometimes; not willing to lose what I have to step out into the “faith journey” of the unknown with Jesus. This is not an easy task, especially as Jesus said for someone who is “rich” in earthly possessions and has a lot to lose. But the journey is so worth it if we will take the leap and be willing to lose everything… in order to find the only thing that matters; JESUS.
Whether you have had change thrust upon you or whether you have made the brave decision to make some major life alterations, I want to challenge you in this moment (as I have been). Will you look at this new season with joy and excitement? There is divine opportunity in whatever season of change has come upon you. Jesus doesn’t promise it will be easy but as we focus on the things that truly matter, it will be flooded with purpose! Take the leap today!
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