ADVENT — This is the season– as we relive the anticipation of God actually coming in human likeness (Phil. 2:5-8), let’s ponder what that means—
Everything was about to CHANGE! Why?
Because Someone was COMING to change it all!
The word “advent” itself means: “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” In this case, Emmanuel– God With Us– Jesus Messiah!
He came to fulfill the promise he had made long ago—
“…The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him ‘Immanuel’ (meaning ‘God with us’).” Is. 7:14
When we want to make change happen somewhere, we go there in order to more directly and effectively bring it about, and stay there for as long as it takes to make it happen.
This is exactly why the Lord Himself came here, and has “stuck around” as the Holy Spirit, the “Third Person of the Trinity”.
What does that mean for us? He is the One who has made positive and needed change possible in our lives ever since He came.
But possible only means potential. The change doesn’t happen until we interact with it to ACTUALIZE it (with His help).
For example– We may have all the ingredients in our house to make a delicious five-course meal, but until we interact with them in the right way dinner will remain a dream, and we’ll remain hungry!
So why do so many of us hungry-for-a-better-life people resist “going into the kitchen” and doing what it takes for much-needed change? Consider these reasons:
- Fear of failure– As long as we don’t try, we can always still think about what we could do. The “What if I try and it doesn’t work?” barrier holds us back. Then what? Then despair? Shame? Feeling even worse about ourselves? Who wants that?!
But what if we don’t have to feel ashamed and hopeless, even if we tried something and it failed?
–Thomas Edison gladly declared, “I just found 2,000 ways not to make a lightbulb; I only needed to find one way to make it work.”
–Henry Ford stated, ”Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
“Failure is an event, not a person.” Zig Ziglar
We can be 100% sure we won’t succeed if don’t try. If we do try, we’ll always have a better chance! J
- Fear the change will be disappointing— The “what if it’s useless?” barrier keeps us from taking initiative— “What if I do achieve this change but it’s not what I’d hoped for?” Who wants to “go through all that work for nothing”, or be let down? “Wouldn’t I feel better just dreaming about how good it would be if…?”
It might. But feeling better isn’t our end-goal. BEING better is. While we can’t control outcomes or circumstances, we can control our attitude and resulting change in character. With a good attitude, a teachable heart, and growth in maturity, we will never be disappointed. Instead, we and all we do will become fruitful and productive (see 2 Pet.1:5-8)
- Fear of harm—The “what if I get hurt?” barrier keeps us in our “safe zone”. Granted, it can be a scary world out there, especially when we’re trying something new. The dangers of rejection, illness, financial setbacks, etc. do exist.
But we have GOD WITH US – the one Who promised—
“In this world you will have many troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” Jn. 16:33
Whatever might happen, with Him on our side, we will always win.
This reminds me of the well-loved (by strong people) game—“Tug-O’-War”. With arm-muscles akin to overcooked noodles, you’d think I wouldn’t like this game. But I love to participate. Why? Because I purposely join the team with the biggest-muscle-but-even-bigger-heart guy—the one who encourages all of us to put hustle in our muscle (however little we have), and watch it multiply synergistically when we team up with him. He, and us along with him, win.
Not only am I not harmed, I get to enjoy the victory! Sure beats standing on the sidelines for fear of getting hurt.
- Fear of responsibility—the “what if I’ll have to…” barrier keeps us in our narrow comfort zone. Healing and positive change does bring higher expectations from others and more responsibility on ourselves.
That’s why Jesus asked the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda, “Do you want to get well?” (Jn. 5:6) What a question! You’d think He’d know the answer (especially since the guy had been languishing there for 38 years)! But both He and the lame man understood the implications of getting better– If healed, the man would have to work for a living. He’d have to walk to get around. He’d have to…
Still, what’s the alternative? For the lame man, it was either the narrow world of his mat and the portico. For us, it’s either the “comfort” but boredom of our narrow world, or a much fuller life that comes with getting better!
Think of this– “Advent” is the beginning of the word ADVENTURE! Change is exhilarating when we overcome our fear of it!
What change are you yearning for in your life– your relationships, career, leadership ability? Your character and mindset that affects all that? Something else? Start your ADVENT-URE of growth today!
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