Our Watch Night Word to Our Community:
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, it's natural to reflect on the changes we've experienced and anticipate those yet to come. Change is an inevitable part of life, yet how we respond to it can profoundly impact our journey. This year, let's explore the powerful message found in Matthew 2:12:
"And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way."
This simple verse carries a profound truth: sometimes, our carefully laid plans must change overnight. The wise men, guided by a star and their own expectations, found themselves redirected by divine intervention. Their story offers us valuable insights on navigating life's unexpected turns.
What Causes Change?
Change often stems from three primary sources:
1. The introduction of a new issue: Just as Jesus' birth set in motion a series of events, a single occurrence can alter the course of our lives.
2. Circumstances beyond our control: Like Herod, who couldn't control the star or the prophecy, we often face situations we didn't choose or expect.
3. Frustration from facts: Sometimes, the reality we encounter clashes with our expectations, forcing us to adapt.
Handling Change: The Wrong Way
It's easy to mishandle change, often in these common ways:
1. Avoiding instead of addressing: Like Herod sending the wise men instead of investigating himself, we might try to sidestep issues rather than face them head-on.
2. Manipulating to mask motives: Herod's false claim of wanting to worship the child reminds us how we sometimes manipulate situations to hide our true intentions.
3. Continuing as if unconcerned: Ignoring change or responding passive-aggressively only prolongs our discomfort and hinders growth.
Preparing for Change: The Right Way
So how can we prepare for the changes that inevitably come our way? Here are three powerful strategies:
1. Receive and React Responsibly
Notice the comma in Matthew 2:12 – it represents a crucial pause. The wise men received the warning, took a moment to process it, and then acted responsibly. We too must learn to:
- Receive the change
- Breathe and pray about it
- React responsibly
This pause can make all the difference between a knee-jerk reaction and a thoughtful response.
2. Lament, Learn, and Live
Change often involves loss. It's okay to:
- Lament the loss: Acknowledge what you're leaving behind.
- Learn the lesson: Seek understanding from the experience.
- Live your life: Don't become paralyzed; keep moving forward.
Remember, if you're thinking about or angry about a change, you've already lived beyond it. Now it's time to continue living while processing what happened.
3. Trust in God's Guidance
The wise men trusted the God who guided them to also lead them home by a new route. We too can find comfort in knowing that the same God who has brought us this far will continue to direct our paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 offers timeless wisdom: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
This verse reminds us that when we place our trust in God, acknowledge Him in everything we do, He will guide us – even when the path looks different than we expected.
Embracing a New Perspective
As we enter this new year, let's challenge ourselves to view change not as a problem or deficiency, but as a developmental period. God remains constant, even as our circumstances shift. He's developing us, strengthening us, and proving Himself to us through every twist and turn.
When faced with change, big or small, remember:
1. Nothing catches God off guard. He's fully aware and fully engaged in our lives.
2. Our weapon against worry is worship. Praise God even in uncertain times.
3. Confess your concerns to God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring everything to Him in prayer, promising His peace in return.
A New Year, A New You
As the calendar turns, it's not just a new year – it's an opportunity for a new you. Your thinking has changed. You're not who you were. Embrace this newness and the growth it represents.
Whether this year brings new houses, new cars, or unexpected losses and grief, commit to praising God through it all. He remains worthy of our worship, regardless of our circumstances.
If you find yourself needing a fresh start spiritually, remember it's never too late to accept Christ, restore your relationship with Him, or find a supportive faith community. These steps can be the beginning of profound personal transformation.
As we step into this new year, let's do so with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace the changes God brings our way. Trust that He who guided you through the past year will lead you faithfully into the next. Be prepared for Him to blow your mind, even if it's difficult or painful at times.
Remember, your breakthrough might not be a thing – it could be a thought. As you change your thinking, you position yourself to be ready for whatever 2025 and beyond may bring.
May this year be filled with growth, faith, and a deepening trust in the God who remains constant amidst all of life's changes. Here's to a year of transformation – in our circumstances and in ourselves.
To Connect with us either for Connection with CHRIST (Salvation) , Re-Connection to CHRIST (Restoration), or Connection to The Perfecting Place Community (Relation) please text "THEPLACE" to 84576 on your mobile device!!
I Love You!! To GOD be the Glory!!!
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