Seeking Comfort in Change: Embracing Hardship for Spiritual Growth

People say things like “change happens” and “change is inevitable (like Thanos).”

But they also say, “the more things change the more they stay the same.”

Wait, what? Is it just me or is that one dumb?

Been doing a ton of self-reflection of late and have come to the realization that changing, from who I am to who I want to be, maybe better, who I need to be is not only a necessity but it’s going to be STUPID hard!

But in the end, I believe it will worth the time and effort.

One of the things I started thinking about is, “if I am trying to make these changes for the better and God wants me to BE better, why doesn’t he “change” me into the person He and I both want and need me to be?”

I guess I am asking for the quick fix – because less face it, there is no one that doesn’t benefit from a better me.

It’ll be better for TL&T, it’ll be better for the Boy, it’ll be better for my friends, clients and the world at large.

A better me is a worldwide improvement.

Let you in a little secret, a better YOU will improve the world too.

So, with that question in mind, I was reminded of a Scripture from the first chapter of the book of Second Corinthians, verse four, which says,

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

I was not sure what God was trying to tell me here?

Why was I led to a verse that talks about comfort.

Then I remembered my original thought, “changing is going to be hard.” I actually said it was going to be “Stupid hard” but who’s keep track?

If changing is hard, I might quit trying.

Or, I might seek the advice of someone else that has made themselves better or changed in a significantly positive way.

I might look for someone that can provide me with some “comfort.”

WHOA!

I believe God allows us, in HIS sovereignty, to go through trials and tribulations, so that we can assist our brothers and sister in THEIR time of trouble because we know what it takes or what it is like to go through that situation.

Think about it, if you’re trying to quit…drinking, smoking, watching porn, drugs, watching TV, eating to much, cheating, gambling, gossiping, over spending, flossing…no, wait that’s a good one… but you get it…are you going to want to talk to someone that never wrestled with any of the above – again DO NOT QUIT FLOSSING – or someone that once sat in the chair you’re in?

Exactly, the person that’s been there.

Now, let me say, with 100% conviction, God CAN, if he wants, cure, heal, set free, release, detox, 12 step any one at any time but, and I believe this to be paramount, HE is God and you and I are not. He does what He wants, not what we think is the right.

So, if he does not, who am I to complain?

And that is why I KNOW it’s going to be hard to change…

Because as the late, great Jimmy Dugan said, “if it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.”

SO, I am working on changing and that’s hard, what are you doing that hard? Maybe I can offer a word of encouragement or point you toward someone that’s shared your struggle? Leave me a comment and let’s talk about it.

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