Change is good with the help of God

Changing direction in life’s choices indicates we may not be satisfied with our present position. Ask most college students what they are leaning towards as a career and usually the answer is “not sure or I haven’t decided yet.” It can never be an easy choice when we don’t know our ability or the tenacity of our make-up. Many successful inventors or scientists never found their inventions or discoveries without trial and error. The same must be true when one has a calling to God’s plan for any of us.

A new Christian, as converts are sometimes referred to, may be attracted by a particular devotion and exert themselves at every waking moment searching avenues of programs and endless opportunities to share their new-found love as an attachment with God and the church. The upper most thought for them becomes this is where my love will sustain me with God.

After some time passes, suddenly this new Christian is introduced to a different type of sharing the gospel and the first attraction, although not expelled from their previous desires, becomes second place especially when this new devotion uses their intellect and other gifts in a unique manner bringing the gospel to more people and following the path God has set out before them. There will be times that this person won’t realize immediately that they are recipients of the plan God already had in the works of advancing this person. It’s like a student preparing for a vocation, growing through one class or experience at a time.

Now, this new Christian doesn’t feel like a neophyte anymore and will no longer feel satisfied in their latest position. Some may end up staying where they are and becoming successful in doing God’s bidding. Other’s will advance, with God’s Spirit as a guide and continue with more experience and understanding of the plan God has prepared for this person. This is how evangelization continues to grow in the church, and how the Lord promotes some to tenaciously move on. One thing is certain, the process of change may continue and we should never reject it. It is God who is the advocate.

Believe that you aren’t ready to accept this role due to lack of a PhD, or degrees that run out of space on your belt of success. Which apostle had a college degree, or how many prophets were shepherds or dressers of Sycamore trees such as Amos? If God calls one to advance by his standards he will see you through!

Ralph B. Hathaway, The call of God changes us.