Change

Change can be instant or a process. When needed, it is a joy to see the positive result. A concerned distraught grandmother came to my office seeking help. When asked how I could be of help she began to weep as she told me her story.

Her daughter would not let her have any contact with her children. When asked why, she said her daughter said she was so negative and complained so much that she did not want her children to be around such a person.

My enquiry as to whether she wanted to change was met with an immediate affirmation. Then our interchange began.

I assured her the negative person who entered my office could leave it a positive and joyous one through Jesus Christ. We then discussed this text:

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” I John 5:14, 15

I was careful to call her attention to the phrase “according to His will,” and not just anything. I asked if she thought it was God’s will for His children to express the joy of their salvation. Assuring me she did, we then engaged in a time of prayer which on her behalf involved contrition, confession, cleansing, and commitment. Only after these steps was a request made to become a positive, optimistic, and joyous child of God.

I saw her a month later and she was radiant in telling me she was so changed her daughter asked her to stay with her children a day each week.

Not all transformation is that instantaneous, but hers was. God is in the life changing business. Talk to Him about your life, and any changes needing to be made. Then take the steps that lady did. You, too, can become a new you.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2