I have been asking myself this question for some time. And honestly still don’t have a real answer, other than it varies from person to person and situation or circumstance. So, why write this post? I am hoping to ignite a discussion about the art of “CHANGE”. It would seem an appropriate topic with a new administration taking office soon whose mantra was built on the idea of change. It would also seem beneficial as we often share with those far from Christ why they should “EXPERIENCE LIFE CHANGE” by entering into a relationship with Christ and maybe there is someone, like myself, who still has some things to change (and yes its a laundry list) then maybe you simply want to know how long it will be before it “TAKES”!
There is a thought in the social science world that three consistent months of an activity creates a habit. I have heard some mention that this habit must first begin as a thought, or better a way of thinking that becomes an action, which would lead to the habit, desired or not.
Then I begin to think about the promises of Jesus and the miracles performed by Him and those who followed Him. Change was instant, so we think. The woman with an issue of blood, touches His garment and “instantly” she was healed, right? It would appear so, but what about all the years she suffered, from doctor to doctor, medicine, surgery and God only knows what else she tried before she “mustard” (pun intended) up the faith to BELIEVE that if she simply touched Him her life would never be the same, she would CHANGE. The same would go for the Jairus and his daughter and even more astonishing was the faith of the centurian- who simply stated that if He would say the Word, his servant would be healed, and He did and he was!
OK, so what are you saying? I am simply stating that although it would appear that these, “CHANGES”, miracles took place instantly, i am willing to step out on a limb and offer that there was much work, effort and most importantly “FAITH” building/growing inside of each individual before “opportunity met preparation”, before they came face to face with Him.
The desire to change, is a great place to start, but it alone WILL NOT create change. There must be effort, there must be commitment, there must be hard work and lastly you have GOT to have FAITH! Expect the end result in which you desire. Expect to see the change, even if it is only you who initially notices the change! Pressure on yourself to change without willingness to work on the change will lead to insanity! I know, I’ve been there and was recently close to going back down that road.
Lastly the desire to change MUST come from WITHIN! You cannot do it for anyone else! You just can’t. The minute you make that change, and the minute they don’t notice it, you are probably going to have a fit, or lose it or both!
So how long does change take?
The better question is how long do you want it to take?
