"CLAIMING THE HIGH C'S"
PART IV
THE EARLY VOYAGE
And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God,
to them that are called according to His purpose.
... In all these things
we are more than conquerors
through Him that loved us
(Romans 8:28 and 37, KJV.)
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CHAPTER 10
CHANGE
Overboard:
Out of the ship;
as a person fell overboard, meaning fell out of or from the ship.1
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Deliberate Alteration...
Change happens to everyone. But most people don't like it! Webster defines change as "making or becoming distinctly different... implying either radical transmutation of character or replacement with something else".2
So why do things have to change?
Most of the time we like our comfort zone; it's a place of certainty. We might not find security in everything that happens in our families or on the job, but we've learned over the years how to deal with it and usually there aren't too many surprises... if everyone follows the rules. Young and old are able to function because they know what's expected of them.
And yet, God talks about change...
 And be not conformed to this world:
but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,
and perfect will of God.
(Romans 12:2, NIV.)
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Transformation? Who really wants to change their form or function? We may sit on a church pew on Sunday morning and nod our heads in agreement with the sermon, but what happens as we leave the church's parking lot and join in the hustle and bustle of modern life? Not many people like change. We want everything our way, so get off my road!
"No way. Not me. It's not my problem!"
"If only he'd just change, then everything would be perfect!"
"Everything would be fine if she'd just stop and listen."
People go out of their way to ignore change. And usually it's because it's someone else's problem. Often work and social obligations are used to stop any remembrance of needed transformation. "I'll think about that tomorrow" can be an attempt to keep everything at "status quo"... the way things have always been. To stop change many people use alcohol, sex, gambling, shopping or food. There are multiple ways to sabotage healthy "alteration".
Do you like change? Do you sabotage it? Do you cling to your comfort zone where certainty and security reside?
Doesn't God like us the way we are? Change can seem so scary and intimidating. But without change no growth can occur and decay will set in. God gives us examples from His creation. In some instances, without change there is certain death.
Purposefully initiate change in yourself and your family...
How can you do this? Read I Chronicles 4:9-10. Try the Jabez prayer. He is referred to as a man more honorable than his brothers. Why? The only clue is this: Jabez told God he was open to any change God might desire.
In the 1990's, we began keeping personal prayer journals. Now we look back and are amazed at the places God has taken us and things He has accomplished. We spoke to God the Jabez prayer and we began to think and walk as though God was going to broaden our perspectives. And He did.
Can you stop right now and pray this prayer.
Can you get on your knees and cry out to God:
"Bless me and enlarge my territory?"
You can do it if you choose!
As our Captain, Christ will get us through the rough times and across the high seas. He's equipped the ship with everything necessary, even life preservers and lifeboats. He knows we can easily become afraid, so He more than adequately offers reassurance and hope.
Every board and nail on the ship is committed to one purpose: to be conformed to the Master's plan and shape.
Our need to hold onto something constant and firm is met in Christ: our captain and anchor.
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CHAPTER TEN NOTES
1 Glossary of Nautical Terms (Circa 1814).
www.psych.edu.au/vbb/woronora/maritime/Glossary.html
2 Guralnik, David (Editor). (1974).
Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language.
New York: William Collins World Publishing Company, Inc. pg 237.
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