Be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi
My oldest daughter while in high school began sharing church signs with a friend of mine. They would text them to each other anytime they passed one. Funny how we can drive by these signs and hardly notice their meaning, but if you stop and read these signs many times they will prick your heart and soul. One day I drove by this one and it has become a motto I try to live by in my life.
I was challenged by this church sign to look at the world around me and even the way I see others. I can’t expect people to change around me without role models of Christ touching their lives. I can’t bring Jesus Christ to others if I don’t step out of my comfort zone and live among unbelievers. I will not always meet God’s expectations and unbelievers will see me as a hypocrite because I am a sinner and I will fail, but I will always pull myself up by God’s love and mercy and strive to Be the Change I want to see in our world.
I am drawn to Esther once again and her willingness to step out of her comfort zone. She put herself in the firing line to be the change for her people. I stop and think could I be Esther? Could I step out of my life and stand in the gap for others? Joshua 1:9 reads, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” I honestly am not sure that I can, but I believe that if I truly lean on God as Esther did that I could do what is right for others around me.
Change is usually a dreaded word in our lives. We worry about change in our lives. We are uncertain that change can be good, but if we look at how our lives can change other’s lives then we can see God in our lives. We are reminded of God’s constant in our lives in Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” God is with us even as we stand in the gap or on the firing line when we are following his guidance.
Esther found herself in a position – “…And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14. – to be the change for her people. As the Jews stood to be annihilated by Haman’s order, Esther stepped out in Faith into the King’s Court where her presence could have brought her death. Yet, “(2)And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. (3) And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? what is your request? It shall be given you, even to half of my kingdom.” (4) And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” Esther 5:2-4. The King found favor when he looked upon Queen Esther and was moved to give her any request that she had. As I read these verses, I can only see God working in both Esther life and King Ahasuerus’ heart.
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 gives me the strength to be the change in the world. I may only be a small change, but I know that when faced with the opportunity with God as my rock I walk the path of being an example of Christ. Although, I may grow and change in my walk with Jesus Christ. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Closing Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Challenge: What would it take for you to Be The Change for others?
Allie's Way 