It’s frustrating how we want change, but struggle to do what it takes to get it. I want a stronger body, but struggle with the discipline required to get it. Maybe you want a thinner waistline, but can’t resist the pumpkin spice lattes you know work against you. We want genuine relationships, but when conflict comes, we hold back rather than push through to experience deeper intimacy on the other side.

Change is something we’re desperate for, but it’s also something we fight. The familiar is strangely comfortable—even when it’s destroying us.

Those negative thoughts creep into our minds. They berate us, accuse us, and attack the deepest parts of us. Instead of locking the door, we keep the doors open.

Those negative people, the ones bringing storm clouds when they come around, work their way back into our lives. They tell us to stop dreaming, to settle—that’s just who we are, it’s who we’ll always be. But instead of telling them they are no longer welcome, we keep giving them access.

It’s a cycle we long to break free from. We strive harder and make some progress, but before long, we often find ourselves right back where we swore we’d never go again. And it’s usually worse the next time.

Is there a way out of this cycle?
Can we draw a line in the sand and break free from its curse?

The good news is yes. The bad news is, it’s hard work. Change is never easy. If it were, fitness trainers wouldn’t have a huge part of the market.

Alive in Christ

It’s here I see the genius of God. God created us to need Him. He created us to only come fully alive when we are alive in Christ Jesus. And until we are, we won’t have peace about our life or where we are headed. Accepting and believing this simple truth is the easy part. Living it out every day is not so easy.

While salvation can happen in an instant, our faith is something we walk out every day.

I have to wake up each day and remind myself who I am in Christ. I have to seek God for the good things He has for me, better things than I have for myself. As I walk hand-in-hand with Him, He removes the unhealthy thoughts and patterns that keep me from being effective. He replaces them with truth and circumstances to remind me He is with me.

If Satan can’t have our soul, the least he’ll try and do is keep us from living bold, effectives lives in this world.

There are two things that keep me grounded when I lose focus or feel the enemy attacking me, trying to knock me off my feet.  Maybe they’ll help you.

The Old Me Is Dead

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, a new life has begun.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

When Satan attacks us, he tells us who we used to be. He reminds us of all the horrible things we’ve done or thought. He accuses us of being the sinner we know we are. Until we can stare him in the face and tell him, “No, that’s not who I am in Christ”, he will keep a grip on us.

Forgive me if you must, but I happen to be a fan of Taylor Swift’s new single, Look What You Made Me Do.

“I’m sorry the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, cause she’s dead.”

This is my favorite line. I won’t speak for Taylor or her motivation for writing it, but we all have parts of our old self we want to get rid of. We will never experience freedom until we can come to the place where we can say, “That part of me cannot come to the phone.” “That part of me is dead.”

Stop dragging parts of yourself around that need to die. Keep them buried.

Let God Define You

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2: 10

Don’t let the enemy (or your critic) tell you who you are. Let God define who you are and give you the change you desire. You were created in the image of God to display his love and glory to the world. And until we are with Him, there’s always further to go. Keep on friend, don’t give up!