Changes

To be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God. (Ephesians 4:23-24 ESV)

It’s tough to change the things that have become second nature to you. But when these things are holding you back, they need to be countered, challenged, and overcome. That’s what makes change so difficult‚ but so wonderfully challenging—you’re defying human nature in the habits that bind you to doing things in a certain way. You’re altering your course to head in a new direction that will bring forth fruit and growth.

So don’t ever feel that overcoming ruts and bad habits is not worth the effort. It is worth every tear shed, every ounce of effort spent, and every difficulty. This brings to life the fighter in you. It’s breaking loose from the ties of routine of what you’ve come to believe are unchangeable elements of your personality or circumstances, and it’s making a decision to turn around and go in a new direction that will move you forward.

The determination to break the chains of bad habits and ruts can bring out the best in you, for it causes you to rise above the circumstance of comfort and search out a new route—a new challenge in life—and the promise of better things ahead.—Jesus [1]

Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you. Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart—so will you be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.—Andrew Murray (1828–1917)

[1] “Ditching Ruts and Taking Flight.” Anchor, February 23, 2017.