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THE PASTORS CORNER... Gerry White
Change For Good 
 

By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going.

Hebrews 11:8 (Msg)

What changes are you facing right now? Whether it's a birth, a death, a marriage, children leaving home, or a new job, change causes stress. Futurist Alvin Toffler said, "Change is the process by which the future invades our lives." Whether we welcome it or not, change is a constant. How we face it is not. When it comes to change, we have one of three choices: 1) we can fight it; 2) we can face it; or 3) we can face it with faith. Abraham is one of the best examples of faith in the entire Bible. At the age of seventy-five, Abraham was directed by God to make major changes in his life. In this lesson, we'll examine four foundations for facing change, based on the life of Abraham.

Four foundations for facing change:
 

MONDAY

1. LET GO OF YOUR PAST.
[Your Objective: Agree that leaving the past behind is often necessary before we can move ahead.]

In Genesis 12:1 and 4, what did God tell Abraham to do? How did Abraham respond?

Why does God ask us to leave the past behind as we begin life with Him?

Discuss examples of things in our past we might need to leave behind in order to move forward with God. Consider both what did and didn't happen.

How did the Israelites respond to difficult times, in Numbers 14:3?

How is our response to difficulty a reflection of our dependence on God?

Change includes loss, often leading to grief. Share situations where the response to loss might be one of "Wouldn't it be better to go back?"

Fellowship (Membership) - When we make a choice to join God's family, it often means letting go of some part of our past. In exchange, we begin to enjoy rich new friendships and experiences with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ. As you may already be discovering, your small group is there to support you through changes in your life. If God has revealed an area of your life that needs changing, identify one thing you will let go of in order to cooperate with God's transformation process. Share your decision with your group. Agree to support one another in prayer as you grow in Christ together.

TUESDAY                             

2. HOLD ON TO GOD'S PROMISE.
[Your Objective: Thank God for His many promises, available to give us hope and strength during change.]

What four things did God promise Abraham in Genesis 12:2?

Do these promises apply to us today? If so, how? What assurance do they offer us?

Why did God point out these attributes about Himself in Numbers 23:19?

How does this description of God make you feel right now? How might these words apply when we are experiencing change?

What is the difference between our wishes and God's promises? Why is it good to read God's promises often?

Who is God referring to in Matthew 7:24-25?

How does knowing and obeying God's Word affect us?

Discipleship (Maturity) - When we choose to regularly engage the Word of God, He changes us. Gradually, and in proportion to the time we invest in getting to know God, we grow as His disciples. God's Word is filled with promises to hold on to as we experience the growing pains that accompany change. Look up some promises of God that would apply to your situation. What one promise is going to carry you through the change God is working in your life? As a group, read a few promises together and agree to memorize the one promise you have chosen before your next meeting.
 

WEDNESDAY

3. LOOK OUT FOR THE PROBLEMS.
[Your Objective: Recognize that life is never trouble free. Expect problems and expect God's presence in them.]

While Abraham was on his way to the Promised Land (see Genesis 12:6, 10), what problems did he encounter?

Why are we often upset when we encounter difficulties in response to God's call on our lives?

Do problems indicate that we are on the wrong path? Discuss.

What do you think God wants us to learn in times of change?

While in the Promised Land, Abraham faced both the Canaanite enemy and famine. What kinds of problems are we likely to face in the midst of change today?

What two promises do we discover when we read Psalm 34:19?

What assurance does this verse offer into our difficulties?

There is a common misconception that bad things won't happen to those who believe in God. When things go wrong, many distance themselves from God or use that as an excuse not to believe in Christ in the first place. How could you answer this misconception? What difference has Christ made for you?

Colossians 2:6 offers what instruction for every day of our lives, whether or not we are undergoing change?

What does it mean to "continue in Christ"? What does that look like as we face our daily problems?

Ministry - Answering God's call to minister to others may also be accompanied by difficulties. This does not mean it is not God's will. One of the most exciting aspects of the Christian life is the opportunity God gives us to partner with Him by investing in the lives of others. Additionally, investing in others has a direct effect on our view of our difficulties. What one commitment in ministry will help you face your problems, in spite of the possible difficulties associated with it?
 

THURSDAY

4. LOOK UP TO GOD'S PRESENCE.
[Your Objective: Rejoice that God is always present with us. He carries us through every moment of change.]

When Abraham arrived at the mountain east of Bethel, what did he do there? Read Genesis 12:8.

We don't usually build altars to the Lord in our personal lives these days. What might be a modern day version of this? Discuss ways you can build altars in your thoughts, habits, and relationships.

Read together the promises in Psalm 34:18 and James 4:8. Who are these promises for?

How do these verses reveal God’s desire to be intimately connected in our lives? In what ways do they offer encouragement into our circumstances?

Discuss some reasons why it is beneficial to develop a close relationship with God.

Worship (Magnification) - When we enter into God's presence, we are changed in that moment. Share with the group a time you were especially aware of God's presence. How did He carry you through a difficult season of change? What one thing will you do to remind yourself that God is a part of the change you are presently facing?

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Look to the rock of Christ for peace to take you through life's constant change.]

When we face the changes that inevitably come into our lives with faith in an unchanging God, we find peace.

Though everything around us may be falling apart, in Christ our hearts are settled. Perhaps the first change you need to make is to put your trust in Christ. If you're not sure you've ever specifically asked Jesus for His forgiveness and leadership, do it now and then tell someone in your group. Once you know your life is in His hands, the next step is to ask for faith to live each day. How will you let those around you see the change He is making in you? Share your decision with your group. Now read this verse together and thank God that He is your rock in the sea of change:

He alone is my rock, my safety, my stronghold so that I stand unshaken.

Psalm 62:2 (NJB)

 

Publisher's Note: Gerry White is the pastor of  Lighthouse Baptist Church and Christian Academy in Hurricane.

The congregation of Lighthouse Baptist Church
worships the Lord every Sunday morning.

Traditional worship service is at 9:00.

Contemporary worship service starts at 10:30.

Sunday School meets at: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday night worship service is at 7:00.

AWANA meets at 6:45 Wednesday nights from
September through May.

Lighthouse Christian Academy is a Bible-based
Christian School, pre-school through 6th grade.

Day Care is 1-5 years old. There is also an
after-school program.

Lighthouse Baptist Church and Christian
Academy are located at 2440 US Route 60, in
Hurricane.

The church phone number is: 304-562-3900.

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