“Change is mandatory for extraordinary results.”
I noticed this quote on an electronic information board. That day the words cut like a knife, not just because the words were truth, but the changes I have been going through have been less than easy.
In fact, I would relate it to a wrestling match, except I was getting body slammed by my past which has influenced my present.
I was angry. Angry at people and yes, even God. I questioned why would He wait so long to have me deal with these things? Because it didn’t just affect how I see myself, but how I view God and the way He sees me.
This particular wrestling match lasted a month. Tears, fatigue, and anger were constant companions. I felt black and blue, emotionally and mentally.
What I’m beginning to realize is that through the brawling, even when the fear is overwhelming, that’s where hope is.
In the messiness and wrestling, with each blow I’m breaking through the cement of my heart so that I’m able to receive and accept God’s love, and healing.
These struggles are not only the gateway to healing but also to sanctification which is a fancy word for the process of purifying, to make me holy, to make me clean.
I guess another way to look at it is restoring of a home. An old house has to go through some tremendous breakage, sledge hammering, pulling up and tearing down in order for the new to be put up.
Wrestling things out can be part of that process in our lives. God is the master renovator and He will take His time to do things right. He will contract the work through His Spirit and even through other people, if He sees fit.
The change is mandatory in order for me to move forward. It’s hard. Oh, my is it hard, and terrifying at times. However, the results He gives will be extraordinary and for my beautification. That is something I am anticipating with excitement.
Oh, and don’t think this is a one – time deal. He is wrestling and renovating along with us until we are called home.
“I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NASB)
Solitude with the Father 