Oftentimes, there is an innate fear of change that obscures or debilitates one’s ability to accept and/or institute change into one’s life. Here are three statements that represent some of the thoughts that go along with a fear of change include:
“If I change I will encounter new situations I am not prepared for that will make feel uncomfortable, anxious, or inadequate.”
“The unknown is filled with uncertainty and where I am now is certain and more comfortable.”
“Change requires effort and is inherently painful.”
So in regards to making the changes necessary in your life so that you might truly make an honest and real effort to walk in Christ’s footsteps each and every day, let’s look at the above statements and perhaps alleviate some of the fears.
Will walking in Christ’s footsteps and adhering to The Way mean you will encounter new situations that might make you feel uncomfortable, anxious, or inadequate? It could. But the great news is that Father gives us advice on how to properly handle all things both old and new, which can be found in the Scriptures. The biggest change is that you will come to find that you always have Yahweh to go to in times of trouble, and in return, will receive the support and strength to face any situation. And, while you may have experienced discomfort for a short time when you have faith, it will soon be replaced with an amazing feeling of comfort, assurance and love that only Father can provide.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will support you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Job 29:12 For I rescued the poor man who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him.
Psalm 18:18 They confronted me in the day of my distress, but the LORD was my support.
Philippians 2:1-2 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal.
Will walking in Christ’s footsteps, mean feeling discomfort? Yes, it could but then again there are many things in life that cause discomfort. Coming to know and understand the Truth involves some discomfort in that the Truth reveals both the good and the bad of everything, including ourselves. When you develop fear of the LORD, no longer will you look in the mirror and see a good person, but a sinner and a good-for-nothing slave (Luke 17:10 In the same way, when you have done all that you were commanded, you should say, 'We are good-for-nothing slaves; we've only done our duty.' ") and this can be life changing. You begin to see yourself for who you really all and what we all are, and developing a sense of humility can be a painful journey. But the trade-off is like taking off soiled clothes and putting on fresh, clean white ones.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is wisdom's instruction, and humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 18:12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but before honor comes humility.
Proverbs 22:4 The result of humility is fear of the LORD, along with wealth, honor, and life.
You might even encounter various situations, in which you might be persuaded to veer off the path, or friends who might want to convince you to do things you used to do but that are not in alignment with The Way. It could introduce some discomfort in handling them righteously and objectively. You might even find that you have to part ways with the people who seek to snare you or lead you off the path. But again, Father is always with you and over time you will find that having made the right choices have actually enhanced your life. In addition to that, if you maintain your integrity you will be able to rest easily in the knowledge that not only will Father stand beside you, but you have also acted as an example for others who might be searching for Father’s light.
Job 1:8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil."
1 Kings 3:6 And Solomon replied, "You have shown great and faithful love to Your servant, my father David, because he walked before You in faithfulness, righteousness, and integrity.
Psalm 41:12 You supported me because of my integrity and set me in Your presence forever.
“The unknown is filled with uncertainty and where I am now is certain and more comfortable.” People are often afraid of things that affect their existence in a negative way. The most important thing is to understand that life is constructed of ups and downs, and no one can be in a permanent ascending trend -- this is simply impossible. The truth is that there is uncertainty in each day, each moment that we are alive and there is no avoiding it and the truth is that you cannot move forward if you’re standing still. You make no progress in anything, including your spiritual development, nor do you serve Father and Christ in any way if you remain afraid of change and if you’re afraid of change and your fear of the LORD hasn’t trumped your fear of change...something is probably amiss.
“Change requires effort and is inherently painful.” Everything good in life requires effort, but it is not all inherently painful – much of it brings many unexpected and pleasant surprises and a sense of accomplishment as well as happiness. So what can be done if you’re confused or frightened of change? Often it takes looking at the worst case scenario in order to induce change. So what would the worst case scenario be in refusing to accept Truth and/or make the efforts necessary to walk in Christ’s footsteps? Well, because our Creator is a God of love who is also capable of wrath, it could mean the loss of your eternal life.
So what we’ve determined is that in order to institute the change necessary in our lives to become true followers of Christ, we might also experience some discomfort, anxiousness, feelings of inadequacy, uncertainty as well as actually have to make an effort at instituting this change. However, what is also certain is that we will experience Yahweh’s love, comfort, guidance and support. We will also gain knowledge, understanding, wisdom, strength and be able to hold on to the hope of the promise of eternal life. Now it’s up to you, to determine for yourself if change is necessary in your life – and then move forward, but not in fear but out of the love you yourself feel for Yahweh and Her son Christ Jesus our Savior, who are with us always.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.