April 6, 2010 - Jenny Kersey

April 6, 2010
When I was asked to write how God has brought about a change in my life, I laughed at the irony. I really dislike change in my life, cause for me there is something to be said for the routine and comfortable and ordinary. However, I can honestly say that when God wants a change in my life, He makes it happen!

One way He brings about change in my life is that He removes all the obstacles from my path. He takes away any and all excuses that I may come up with for not making a move. Years ago, I had a million and one excuses why I couldn't go to Chrysalis: had to work, didn't have the money, didn't know anyone, had missed the application deadline, etc. God, however, wanted me there, and He made it happen. He not only arranged for me to be off but He even got the CEO of the company I was working for at the time to send agape letters and goodies to me. Best weekend of my life so far... thank you God for making it happen; by clearing the path, I was able to move.

Another way He brings about a change in my life is pushing me to make a move. This happens a lot to me. I once worked in a job where I was so miserable, that every day I dreaded going to work and every night I prayed for the strength to continue. The more I prayed for strength, the more miserable I felt. Hopeless might even be a better word for how I felt. There were other job offers, but fear of change kept me in misery. Finally one day, I caught myself crying as I walked into work. I could fight it not longer, so I resigned and immediately felt better. All those job opportunities were gone except for one, which I reluctantly took because I had to have a job even if it wasn't what I thought I wanted. That was one of the best, if not the best, work decisions of my life so far... thank you God for pushing me, pushing me so hard that I was forced to make a move.

Lastly He brings about change in my life by pulling me towards Him, holding me tight during times of pain, loss, doubt, fear, and loneliness. It's during those times that I can feel His presence when my friends listen to and encourage me, when my pets act so glad to see me, when my finance` hugs me and tells me that "it'll all be okay." It's during those times when I can see His presence, when things like sunsets, rain, flowers, and smiling faces take on new meanings for me. It's during those times when I can hear His voice in songs and scripture. I come out of the other side of those times feeling closer to God and having been changed by those feelings and experiences...thank you God for holding me as we walk through those difficult times.

As I've gotten older I've started to see that not all change is bad, and it's becoming easier to see that God works all things for good. (Romans 8:28) As I look back on the changes in my life over the last years, I laugh at what God has had to go through to get me where I am today. Some of the scenes play like a parent dragging their child out of a store kicking and screaming. Some like an older sibling pushing you off the high dive. Some even remind me of a third base coach telling you to run home as fast as you can and your teammates high fiving you when you cross the plate. Of course, I still struggle with the idea of change, but prayer helps me with that. So as you struggle with change in your own lives, I suggest looking to Him because He has a reason, a purpose for everything in our lives, even if we don't see it for ourselves.

Changing for Him and in Him

- Jenny Kersey