Henri Nouwen, who was a beloved priest, author and speaker once said, "every change begins with some loss". How very true whether the loss is minor or major losing something or someone changes everything.
Change can be a welcomed guest providing opportunities and breakthroughs for personal and spiritual growth. However, when change comes un-invited as in the death of a loved one, or a loss of a relationship it can paralyze usleaving us feeling hopeless, sad and discouraged. Whether we like it or not change plays a significant role as we navigate through the peaks and valleys of daily life. How we choose to respond is critically important to our emotional and spiritual happiness, as well as our outlook on the world and the people around us.
As we continue our Lenten journey many of us are trying to change behaviors, attitudes and long standing grudges against a brother or a sister. Despite, denying ourselves and trying hard each day you may have become frustrated and discouraged at your lack of self-control. If this is your experience you are in good company... and help is on the way 'through Christ who strengthens me' (Phil. 4:13).
The Good News is..... we can't do it on our own that is why we needed a Savior"! On our own strength we will fall over and over again. But, through Christ who strengthens us we have received the power to resist and the freedom to choose what produces life for us.
We will all experience change whether we seek it out or not. I challenge you today to 'see' changes as opportunities and not obstacles to your spiritual journey. If you fall don't give up. Instead, cry out to Him who will quickly pick you up, dust you off and love you back to life again.