Summary:

Change is a process that begins with the mind. One reason people don't change is because they are afraid they can't change; however, every person has

the power to change. Ask God to give you a strong desire to want to
change, and He will.

  1. Change is not easy; but it is possible.
    1. In order to change, you must change your mind, ideas and attitudes (Romans 12:1, 2).
      1. You must align your thinking with God's Word.
    2. Make small changes and begin to develop your confidence in your ability to change.
    3. For Christians, change should be a lifestyle.
      1. Change begins on the inside; allow Jesus to change your heart.
      2. You have the power to change yourself.
    4. Submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and He will help you change.
    5. Realize you can't change other people. Focus on changing yourself.

  2. You must have a desire to change.
    1. Jesus met a man who had an infirmity for 38 years. He asked the man, if he wanted to be healed (John 5:1-6).
      1. In this story, an angel would come by and trouble the water, and when people stepped into it, they would be healed.
      2. The greatest change often occurs in the midst of trouble, unrest and turbulence; but if we're going to have a better future, we must step
        into troubled water.
      3. Sometimes we need to change the things we've become accustomed to.
    2. Even before you pray, you have to have a desire (Mark 11:24).
      1. God can't move until you really want change.
      2. Your desire will then become your motivation for life. How bad do you want change?
      3. You've got to desire change like you desire to breathe.

  3. There are three reasons why people don't desire to change.
    1. Fear that they can't change.
      1. If you are afraid, change won't happen, because you won't initiate the process.
      2. Know that you have the power to change (2 Timothy 1:7).
    2. They perceive the need for change as an admission of weakness.
      1. People don't want to admit their weaknesses, so they deceive themselves into thinking they don't need to change.
      2. It takes a strong person to look at themselves and admit they need to change.
    3. People don't want to unsettle things in their lives.
      1. Sometimes, you have to stir things up in order to initiate change in your life.
      2. Don't live a life of mediocrity because you are unwilling to change.

  4. Sometimes, it will look like things are getting worse before they get better.
    1. It is not uncommon for things to look worse when you make a decision to change.
    2. When those things you want to change seem to be getting worse, you know you are headed for a breakthrough.
Scripture References:
  • Romans 12:1, 2
  • John 5:1-6
  • Mark 11:24
  • 2 Timothy 1:7
Pastor Robert Bagonza
Redeemed Church
www.mrolec.org