The Essence of
Change
John 4:43-54
Change is a natural part of life from various
perspectives, including the physical and spiritual. It is a common normality
that the human psyche on superficial and complex levels desire maintenance of
the status quo. Change can manifest itself into negative forms of distress and
positive forms of curative eustress. However, a fluctuation away from the
comfort zone generates anxiety and subliminal/covert trepidation because it
swiftly catapults one into the unknown and uncontrolled. Thus Christians are
commanded to walk by faith and not tangible sight.
One researcher and theologian postulates and
pontificates that the single strongest desire of the individual is control:
control of life, circumstances, situations, institutions, others, and destiny.
However, such a trudge is futile, fruitless, and full of fatigue because of its
illusive nature. Regardless of the fear that comes with the essence of change,
change is inevitable, positive, natural, healthy, and without earthly
prevention. In terms of dealing with grief, the concept and process has been
defined as the refusal to accept what has happened. Therefore, even though
grief has its appropriate place in the healing process, the essence and reality
of grief is laced with the notion of struggling with the acceptation of the
sudden change. In that formation, full acceptation of any form of loss negates
or removes grief. Yet and still, it is the essence of change that we grapple,
wrestle, and do combat with. The essence and struggle of change is so
unconscious and deeply entrenched in cultural forms of denial, the discussion
and analysis is difficult to broach.
Because of the slippery nature of the concept a
common statement is, “I want to change but I do not know how.” In brief the
words and formula of the man in John 4:43-54 provides and elementary equation
for spawning change. As the man wanted his son healed (changed), he did four
things. 1) He acknowledged change was necessary, 2) He went to Jesus, 3) He
besought the Son of God, 4) He made his request and desire for change pointed
and specific.
Change is a continuous part of life that must be approached and tackled with skill, desire, and most importantly prayer, faith, and courage. To deny or ignore change is to deny growth. Remember, you are the Clay in the Potter’s Hands. God has paved a way to save you today!