Change Me
** Disagreements and stress are going to happen in any relationship. How do we deal with them? http://thelife.com/study/lovebusters.html?section=angry_outbursts&ft=BSG-O
by Gail Rodgers
As I sat in church, my foot began to tap to the lively praise music. It was refreshing! Then the pastor stood and prayed, “Oh Lord, we have come here today to be changed by You…please change us.”
The words caught me off guard. I wasn’t sure I had come to be changed…encouraged and refreshed, yes…but changed? I thought about it over the next week.
As Christians we so often want God’s blessing and His strength and His wisdom…but do we willingly say, “Lord, change me?” I knew I didn’t always. Yet it is the thing God calls us to…to be changed.
I thought of the worm and the butterfly. If the worm were asked, I am quite sure he would not feel the need to change, having no concept of the beautiful, flying creature he would become.
Only the Lord sees us as the finished product of what His grace can do in our lives. Only He knows the butterfly in each of us.
“The Spirit of the Lord works within us to become more and more like Him” (2 Corinthians 3: 18, Living Bible).
Is the Lord asking you to let Him change you? Change is not always easy. But the joy and the reward of being transformed into the godly person God knows you can be will surprise and delight you. It will bring a fulfillment that is worth every effort. And God will enable you, by His Spirit, to make the changes you have put off too long.
Don’t wait any longer for God to change your circumstances, your boss, your husband or whoever or whatever is holding you back. Ask Him today to change you. He promises to transform you…and you won’t be disappointed with the result!
~Father God,
Thank you that I can trust You. I know I need to change, but it’s not easy. Will You please begin Your transforming job today in my heart, in my mind and in my life? I give You permission to work in me. Enable me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to see the process and to allow You to make me into your likeness…into the beautiful creature You know I can be. Thank You for Your transforming power! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Questions to ponder: Is the Lord asking you to let Him change you? How could your circumstances be different if you allowed Him to change you into the beautiful creature you know you can be?
About the Author
This devotional was written by Gail Rodgers. Learn more about Gail: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/
18 Responses to “Change Me”
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Wonderfully put Eve…’Before your life can change, your attitude must change’.Jackie, I praise God with you for that awesome testimony,just wait and see what He has instore for both of you.His promises concerning you and your household are Yes and Amen!!!!
What a devotion:),Gail shared this statement.”I thought of the worm and the butterfly. If the worm were asked, I am quite sure he would not feel the need to change, having no concept of the beautiful, flying creature he would become”.
This is what many still think(…not feeling the neeed to change…) myself included,not knowing there’s so much beauty and pleasure in turning into a butterfly.A few years ago I read Evelyn Chritiansen’s book titled “Change Me Lord” and ladies it transformed my life,and today’s devotion was just a reminder that it’s a continuous process and just like the pupa turns into a worm then into a beautiful butterfly, then We too need to allow God to bring us to that place of perfection as He’s readying us to present us to His son on that day.
Father we fall apart and ask that you may change us (in all aspects…)to your glory in Jesus name. Thank you that in surrender to you we are made more like you, sweet Holy Spirit we ask that you may lead us to such a place. Father God I stand with Jackie and her husband praying that you may continue to show your self Strong and Faithful to them in Jesus name.We thank you that she will find You to be her shield and defence every moment of her life,because you’ve said you’ll never leave her nor forsake her. Thank you for all her victories and we praise you for changing us ,in Jesus name amen.!!!
Maureen
Sylmadel, thank you for your beautiful sharing. I was feeling rather down and your words made me realise that yes, it is true.. i will meet adversity as a child of God, and that is where i am to grow. That is where God WILL give me life as i overcome. I am to grow and blossom where i am planted.
All of your sharings have been a blessing today. Thank you all for being so open and supportive. Coming here everyday gives me that extra push to believe, trust and hope. Our God is an awesome and faithful God!!!
Through all that i have been through and am going through, i am changing. I have come to realise that i can’t change others, but i can change myself. I can’t remember where i read this quote “before your life can change, your attitude must change”.
CHANGE ME, LORD!!!
Barbara C , thank you. It is such a blessing to read the powerful words from the women on this site. You can feel them growing in Christ through there words it’s so awesome. I was thinking about something you said a few days ago, that really touch me, how powerful it was for me. when you walking on the beach praising the Lord with tears, walking toward a new life leaving the old ways behind you. it reminded me while I was reading that when Jesus was baptised and the spirit desended, what a powerful moment that must have been to see, his footsteps in the sand walking out of the water to do his ministry. Barbara you are following our Loving Saviour’s example.
Jackie
Jackie,
So nice to hear your praise report. It is so great when one is up the impossible then God moves in and begins to turn it all around. How great that your husband is listening to God speaking to his heart because of the prayers that you have been speaking on his behalf.
May you and your husband be at peace with each other and the Lord as well.
Barbara
Hello ladies: Hope you all are doing well. Praise The Lord, I could hardly wait to tell you God answers prayers ((but you knew that)) last night my husband called me from work (like he always does) to ask me to pray for this or that but last night he was having a perticularlly bad night and he had gotten really upset and lost his temper.But the great thing is he prayed himself before he called me!!The other awesome part is he read 5 chapters of Matthew on down time.I felt like you should know God is hearing our prayers for our husbands and our lives, I thank God for hearing our prayers and working on them. I also thank God for using the women on this site to change the circumstances of lives through prayers.Bless you ladies
Forgive me “Sylmadel”..the name HE gave you is precious and deserves correct spelling. Being an old journalist and having written on many newspapers..Am ashamed that in my excitement over your sharing? Got your name misspelled..A cardinal “no, no” in Journalism!!!! But your “depth of sharing” overcame me..and my fingers..am a fast typist but “proofing” not my forte’!!!
Dear Symadel,
God bless YOU for mentioning a favorite devotional, “My Utmost For His Highest”!!! The LORD is moving and confirming soooo many things these last few devotionals. I sent that book to my Greek Ortodox Priest brother-in-law and pray daily that he’ll be “drawn” to pick it up and be blessed!
Another great one “Streams In The Desert” by L.B.Cowman (Others of hers are great, too!)..I have the original and love it, but there’s a newer translation with updated language that blesses many.
The last sentence of the devotional you just shared from that treasured devotionall..one of the most powerful things we will all read this day! Psalm 46:10! We try to change what ONLY HE can! God bless you for this insightful sharing!!!
I usually find a very stong connection between the messages in the daily devotions and one of my favorite devotionals…My Utmost for His Hightest. They were so stronlly linked today…I really want to share it. God bless you all……………
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . .” ( Psalm 91:1,10 )— the place where you are at one with God.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment— “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7 ). If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can “be of good cheer” even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God
I weep as I type this. So many wonderful, powerful, comments about Change. This devotion took me back to when God saved me and changed me years ago. There was so much sin in my life before then, and I will forever be grateful for the blood of Jesus that washed them away…just by believing in Him…It blows my mind.
Father God, I am still growing and learning, and haven’t prayed for you to “change me” in a while. I know I need to change and today… from the bottom of my heart, I ask you Lord, change me to be all I can be for you, beginning with my heart. Transform me into all that you desire me to be, and more like Jesus.I love you SO MUCH, and desire to be all I can be for you. You are so worthy precious Lord. I trust you to give me the wisdom, confidence, and strength to do so. Amen!
Thank you, Gail, for this devotional! Am going to “tell on myself” and like Chuck Swindoll’s wonderful book said “Let my Guard Down” and share something that happened as I started making my “Journey of Change” some years back. And? Barbara has it “right on”..that Changes happen from the “inside out”! That was a beautiful, powerful sharing, dear Barbara!
Today I enjoy a wonderful, honest and loving marriage with my beautiful husband. But in the beginning years of our walk with the Lord? It wasn’t always this way. And I
“pray” this sharing today from my heart blesses some of you younger ladies..as it is embarrassing, but needed to share to help another today! I remember one Sunday we had quite a disagreement getting ready for church (sound familiar ladies..the devil shows up and sure doesn’t want us to get fortified and most of all “change”!!). My husband was still “arriving” along with me, but vainly? I thought I was much closer! Why, I could see all the areas he needed to improove, while looking past fran’s needs for improvement with quite different colored glasses…rose colored when it came to me..softer and more understanding towards fran’s flaws!
When we got to church that morning? The Pastor we’d come to cherish so much, Dr. Paul L. Walker, looked RIGHT back where we were seated in the church. We were so “steamed up”, we’d sat almost on the LAST row..But, hey, we’d made it to church, right?! Feeling as though he was looking right at us (particularly me!)..He said “The Holy Spirit has moved on my heart to throw out the sermon I’d prepared for today and speak on this….”!! He then proceeded on to say the words we so much needed to hear..particularly ME!! He spoke of his own marriage to his beautiful Carmelita, the raising of their sons. and challenges with a busy family. He was honest and “told it like it is”, but also how the Lord in their lives helped them! And? His obedience to the Holy Spirit changed our marital life forever! There were still flaws (still are, we are after all “humans”!), but that day was one of change for me..that changed our marriage, and lives, for the GOOD!
Ladies, our LORD is so wonderful. And that Sunday Morning started a transformation and desire for it for the better. HE convicted my heart, gently and yet with some firmness, too..and made me say those words I needed to express.. “Change ME, Lord”! Shortly after that? I discovered Evelyn Chritiansen’s powerful book with a smiliar title)..Not only does HE “call us” to change? He supplies the “tools”. I remember thinking “O.K., O.K., Lord..I get it”!! But, today? Am so glad HE did put pressure on me to “bring me OUT of Egypt (yesterday’s devotional)” and in today’s light! Am still VERY flawed, but, PTL, able to recognize it!! And?! His HOLY SPIRIT helps me “stay on the Journey” Praise HIM!!!
Our marriage is strong today and I appreciate my husband more than can say in a few words here. He has also changed and today? I think he is CLOSER in his walk than I am..and the Lord uses him to set an example before me! Someone prayed for me..am pretty sure a “spirit-filled” neighbor that lived across the street did and her prayers “pierced the ceiling”, too.. She moved out of state later..but left the HOLY SPIRIT with me.. that that this exciting spiritual change and journey happened..and am grateful for others that did that, too!! (Told you yesterday am “stubborn”!) And,am grateful for my patient, loving Heavenly Father who helps me be better every day..Still LOTS of room for growth and will be “arriving” until we walk the Golden Streets. But HE is with us every day and the journey a LOT easier..with Him in charge and covering over our household!
Before closing want to share a powerful book and testimony about it from another wife. The lady whose husband heads up to “Food For The Poor Ministry” in FL..She was drawn into the Kingdom first and wanted her husband closer. He was packing for a business trip, and she slipped into his luggage a copy of Catherine Marshall’s Book “The Helper” and prayed the Lord would draw her husband to it..and ultimately, HIM..On that trip? He “did” read that wonderful book and committed his life to Jesus..It is amazing the things (“tools”) the Lord will do as we “pray” and “plant”!! If you ladies haven’t experienced this book, yourselves, it’s a powerful one!
Dear Father, change us every day..Grow us up .. and help us to be more and more like YOU….Thank you for loving us warts and all!! You are already with us in a Special Way today with the frienships, prayers and lifechanging devotionals at this site.. Amen and Amen and AMEN!!!
“…having no concept of the beautiful, flying creature he would become.”
…SO key! Not having any idea of what is on the “other side” has held back many a person, myself included, but how many of us have gone through the change or the situation, afraid or reluctant to do it, only to look back and see how wonderful, and even unimaginable, the reward is! “Why didn’t I do that sooner?” Many a person, myself included, have said that before.
Remembering the rewards that have come before, can help with facing the next change we face :-}.
God bless!
Wow!! Just what I needed. I have been praying for the circumstances to change around me so that I could be happier, but all along I was what needed changed. Father CHANGE ME!!!!!!
Hello ladies;
this was totally for me today. I know there are things God’s been dealing with me to change.Fears and insecurities are big mountains for me to scale. Last night someone tried to open my back door about 2am. I was so disapointed in myself instead of calling on God first, I froze. all the fears of what could have happened ran through my head in a flash.I sat with all the lights on till about 4am reading my bible. I know I should have been more faithful in the Lord than I was, and reacted differently.God is trying to bring me to be more confident in him and I know that in my heart, but it’s my head that hasn’t figured that out yet.I keep looking at the way Jesus handled things, and I want to get there. I also want to be able to look my problems in the face and say just like my Saviour did in the wilderness ”IT IS WRITTEN”
Dear Lord, give me your strength , wisdom and endurance to be brought to a place of deliverance from fear and insecurity.
Just this morning when i looked in my bathroom mirror I realized that God has been changing me for the better. No my outward appearance has not changed for it is maturing as we all grow older. However, when I looked in that mirror this morning and seen the special “twinkling” shining through my eyes i realized that it is HE whom is shining through. For the changes that have been taking place are making me realize how beautiful of a person I am becomming Thanks be to the Holy Spirit working inside of me and my eagerness and willingness to accept the changes that he has for me.
Going through our change for him is not at all pleasantfull and down right dreadful at times too… However, if we allow his good works to be done within us then all of the pain and suffering that we went through shall be well worth it for we will then be more like HIM…..
Keep in mind ladies that a lot of this transformation and change takes place first and foremost in our minds, our speach and then our actions. The renewal of ones mind is so imperative for true change to manifest and take hold. Then with a better mind set one needs to speak in accordance with God’s word and as we learn to think right by the renewal of our minds and speak right by the same renewal we then begin to act and live out the new change that has taken place within.
Our spouses, our children, our friends and/or co-workers too will see then that we nolonger are who we used to be “THANKS BE TO GOD” and they then will be more inclined in wanting what we have inherited. We all should want to develop in the fruit of the Spirit which are: Love, Joy, Peace, Long Suffering, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Goodness, and Self Control/Disapline…..We know we are on our way when these things are developing more and more inside of us than the rotten fruits that we once used to produce.
Sorry to ramble on so much here. Just want to continue to share in the testimony of how good God’s word is for those whom desire with all of their “OWN HEARTS” to seek out the truths that shall teach us how to live his way.
Barbara C.
You have no idea how the Lord uses these devotionals to build, strengthen and encourage me! I was resenting my job after promotions were handed out yesterday and I was skipped over. I felt I had more experience, capabilities, and seniority over the other 2 ladies. I was told previous to this announcement by my Manager that I am well respected, an asset to the Department, etc….but, there was nothing for me at this time, maybe next year. It was a long night last night with little sleep. But, I cried out to the Lord and asked, Why? Help me to understand. I never feel this way Lord, why am I so angry! He of course allows us the choice to steep in our anger and resentment, but, I believe He will not provide answers in the midst of this sin. He does provide peace.I need to change, not my boss, not the ones around me. ME….But I cannot do it alone. I trusted that the Lord provided me with this great job that I have, but, yet, I feel like I am in the wilderness. I have a couple of very good christian friends in my office. I will ask them for prayer…….
Thank you for all you have given to me and my family. But, I try to do everything to please, my husband, which usually fails. But first, I need to be satisfied with myself.
Yes, change me Lord. There are so many areas I long for change in my life! Thank you!
heather
Wow … I just love the image/example of the worm/butterfly … it really spoke to me as a flood of changes I could make w/in me came to light. It really is between me and God … there I will find the power and courage to make those changes. I know what most of those changes are, and I suppose that is half the battle. Praying and sharing them with God … working them thru … well, that’s the next big step. I know in my own short journey as a Christian, I can reflect back and see so many changes in my life and as I think about it, the people around me may/may not change, the real key is that I have … I have a much more graceful perspective in dealing with others. However, I have much work to do and I’m grateful to these daily devotionals to support my efforts with encouragement, strength and love.
Thanks just doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Fondly, K