For the Better
“Is He not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?”
Most people don’t like change. It’s uncomfortable and scary and unknown. And because people don’t like change, they don’t like to see you change. Too many times, we get sucked into keeping people happy instead of growing. Too many times, we get stuck in the “role” we play in our family or our friendships or our relationships. Too many times, we choose to stay comfortable in the positions we hold instead of living for Jesus.
I’m not saying it’s easy for us to change the roles that we play in our communities or friend groups or families. It’s hard to be the odd one out - to stop swearing in a group that swears, to stop laughing at crude jokes when everyone else laughs, or to stop condoning behavior you used to condone. It’s uncomfortable for you, and it’s uncomfortable for them. The truth is...
There are growing pains when you follow Jesus.
In this arena, you’re not alone. Jesus had the same struggles. “Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?” “Where did this man get all this?” “What kind of wisdom has been given Him?” Jesus encountered opposition - just like you do.
Sisters - when you grow in your relationship with the Lord and start to live all-the-way committed to Him, your life will change - it should. It should look different than it did before. It’s hard, but it’s good. So just know - when this challenge pops up, it probably means you’re getting close to something good. God is changing you for the better.
Father,
Thank You for stirring up change in us. Thank You for choosing to invest in us and making our lives better - maybe not easier, but definitely better.
God, please help us to be strong when change is happening. Give us the courage to change - to become like You. Teach us to let go.
God, we love You. Show us how to embrace the changes You’re bringing into our lives and hearts. Amen.