Friday 4 May 2018

Be the Change


- Dr. Geoff Saroea

Many times we come across people and/or situations that are difficult to handle and we pray to God to change the other person or our circumstances. The other person may be a loved one, a friend, a colleague, or a neighbour, etc.  
Sometimes God may not answer our prayers the way we may want Him to. God may want to use our circumstances to bring a change in us instead. 
But you may say, it is the other person who has the problem and needs to change, not me!    We are determined for the other person to change. 
With time, when our prayers do not get answered, some may tend to pray even harder and compliment with prayers of agreement, hoping that God will change the other person or our circumstances. Another aspect is that when our approach or our complaining has not helped, we may become bitter, angry and even disheartened. 
God loves us (John 3:16) and His plans are to prosper us (Jeremiah 29:11). We need to understand that while we do not have control over our circumstances or the other person, we still have control over how we respond. 
When faced with a situation that you want changed, be the change instead. In Matthew 7:12 Jesus said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and prophets." I can give several examples from my own life when I have sincerely prayed for the other person to change, and God has responded back that He wanted me to change first.  
So if someone comes across as irritable or is not behaving the way you would like them to, consider taking a different approach. Don`t allow bitterness to take root in your heart. Instead, treat the other person the way you want to be treated. Your new approach will surprise the other person. Your unconditional love will ultimately help bring a change in the other person. God wants you to be the solution!
Prayer
Father God I come to you in Jesus name. I confess that there are some things in my life that I need to give up. Forgive me for getting upset and angry at others when things do not go according to my plans. Help me to develop patience and not react negatively. Holy Spirit I allow you to work in me and change me, so that my blessings are not hindered. Help me to become more like Jesus, I pray in Jesus name, amen.