The start of a new year is usually the time when many people make New Year’s resolutions. Quite often, they make the same resolutions year after year, only to fall short of the promises they have made to themselves. This year, instead of making any resolutions, I’m making a commitment to “Be the Change.” I’ve heard it said that “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for and anticipating great things this year! 2017 is the “Year of the Holy Ghost.” The same power that brought creation into existence, and raised Jesus Christ from the dead dwells within me. God has given me the power to be the change I want to see in my life.
Change implies choice. We must choose to change, and then do the work the change requires. The struggle to change is worth the effort. Look at the unsightly caterpillar that transforms into a beautiful butterfly. The process involves being confined in a tight place called a cocoon, a womb so to speak. The womb is the environment in which the transformation takes place. It’s an uncomfortable place that births a transformed creature.
Isaiah 43:19 says, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?” For the new thing to happen, I must be determined not to drag my old mindset, baggage, habits, and tendencies into 2017. Perseverance is the key. Often when things don’t work out the way I want, take too long to happen, or prove to be too difficult, I throw in the towel and quit. I’ve come to understand that change is a process, one in which I must persevere through failure, doubt, uncertainty and combating circumstances. II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.” The process of becoming new demands perseverance.
I believe anything that doesn’t change is dead. Change blossoms such that depression transforms into the oil of joy flowing in your life. The spirit of heaviness becomes a garment of praise that empowers you to praise God in the change process. We’ve been created to be the catalyst for change in our lives. God won’t do all the work. We must choose to participate in our change. What choices will you make in 2017?
God doesn’t just want us to change; He wants each of us to be a change agent that impacts the lives of others. Others witness the change in us, as the light of Christ shines brighter and brighter through us. Drawn to the light of Christ in us, they begin to seek change in their own lives. I know I’m right about it. Have you ever lost weight, or seen someone else lose weight? The change provokes a desire for the same thing. However, there’s no gain without pain and perseverance for change to take place.
What things do you want to change in your life this year? More importantly, what things do you NEED to change in your life? I’m not talking about surface change. True change begins within. Internal problems demand an internal change. What about your belief system needs to change? What will you do differently that will have a lasting impact on your life? You have to make the choice to change for change to take place. Will you allow God to do a new thing in YOU in 2017 that will carry over into years to come? You may ask how I can make the change when I’ve been unsuccessful up to now. The answer is found in Ephesian 4:22-24 which says, “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (NIV) Our minds become renewed through the Word of God, prayer and getting in God’s presence. Nothing can be in God’s presence and remain the same. This year, we must commit to reading and studying God’s Word, prayer and spending time with God like never before!
I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of the same old thing happening in my life, year after year! Let’s commit and choose to change. Then watch the power of the Holy Ghost transform you into more than you ever imagined you could be. Commit that 2017 is the year you’ll be the change!!!
Walking in Change With You!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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