Change Is Inevitable

Seasons of change in our lives Sunday, May 3rd

Opener:

Good morning everyone, we want to welcome you to our Sunday morning Service. So thrilled you joined us here this morning!

This morning we are talking about seasons and change. Of course, many of you that are watching this program are located here in the wonderful state of Wisconsin. As you know, here in Wisconsin, we enjoy four seasons of different kinds of weather. This weather can change at a moment’s notice. In fact, there is a saying that Wisconsinites are familiar with: If you do not like the weather today, just wait a few minutes. Of course, this is implying that the weather can change instantly. I can remember a couple years ago here in Clintonville, it was spring time and we had a snow storm come through. It was just wild. I went to the local kwik trip and they had plowed their lot and the snow pile was like 15-20 feet high.

Not only does the weather change, the jobs that we work at also can change. As I reflect on my career in the corporate world, there was a common thread, if you will, and that was that things were constantly changing. Look around in our world today, this past March and April have been way different than probably any March or April that you have ever lived through.

Change can bring a lot of mixed feelings. Sometimes change is really good and healthy. Whereas other times, change can seem drastic and not very helpful at all. There is one thing that we can be assured, that change is inevitable.

We can all agree that the key to having a successful walk with the Lord, is to be willing to change. In order for this change to happen, we need to be completely committed to Him. It is important that we do not just talk about talking steps closer to the Lord, rather, that we take action and do it. This morning we are going to talk about some of the enemies of change, the process of change and how we can change in a healthy more positive way.

I. Enemies of change

A. Excuses

a. The first and probably the hardest thing that prevents people from making changes are excuses.

b. Your mind may be filled with thoughts of “ I can’t do that” or “ I am not that capable of (You fill in the blank)”

c. Several years ago, prior to my surgery, I was lifting weights. I would work out with a friend of mine named Joe and he was a wonderful workout partner. He would always push me to do more.

d. In my mind, I thought well if I can just lift the bar with some weights, I am good. Joe would challenge me, He would keep putting more weight on the bar.

e. After several years of training and pushing myself, I was able to bench press 315lbs.

f. So, how did I do it? Well I wouldn’t let my mind tell me that I couldn’t do it. Many times people quit before they even start. They start making excuses.

g. While this was a physical feat, I have also pushed myself spiritually.

h. Fasting is one of those areas that I struggled with. I had every excuse in the book not to fast. One time, I challenged myself to fast for 7 days and I was able to do so through the power of God.

i. In fact, the bible says in Philippians 4:13(NKJV) 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

j. Do not let excuses stop you from being the very best version on you! Repeat!

B. Discouragement

a. If the first enemy of change does not get you. The next one is right around the corner. That enemy is discouragement.

b. Discouragement is common to every person that walks the earth. When dealing with discouragement, we may feel like we are the only ones going through it, but that is simply not true. We have all struggled with discouragement a time or two in our lives! Including myself!

c. Discouragement is a feeling of defeat, it is a feeling of hopelessness which then begins to then sap out all of our energy.

d. Discouragement really keeps us from doing what we need to do in order to get better. That is to face our problems head on.

e. When we are feeling discouraged, our main goal is to be comforted at any cost. This comfort can lead one down a sinful path.

f. Jesus does not want us to be in discouraged. In fact, He wants us to be encouraged in Him. The bible says in John 14:1(NKJV) 14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.