Friday, June 7, 2013

And, We Will Be Changed . . .


1 Corinthians 15:52
. . . in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

Pastor Wallace shares the story of a young and very anxious bride-to-be.  After the wedding rehearsal, she pulls her minister aside while they are still in church.  She has a confession.

"Pastor, I want to go through with this wedding.  Really, I do!  But, I'm just so nervous about tomorrow's ceremony.  How am I ever going to get through it?"

"You?  Nervous?  Why?  You've spent your whole life in this church!"  her minister states.  

"I don't know; I just am."

"Well, maybe this will help.  See that aisle?  When you walk it tomorrow, think about all the times you've danced up and down it since you were a little girl.  Focus on that.  Then, turn your focus to the altar.  It is there you were baptized, confirmed, took your first Communion, and it's where you come with family and friends to celebrate the Lord's Supper.  Next, look at that handsome man you are about to spend the rest of your life with.  Think about how much you love him and how much he loves you.  Focus on him."

Relieved by her minister's words, the young lady decides to concentrate on those three things as she walks down the aisle the following day.  But, just moments before her father escorts her toward her groom, she feels an unwelcomed wave of anxiety.  To quell this, she decides to repeat these words out loud:

"Aisle . . . Altar . . . Him.  Aisle . . . Alter . . . Him . . ."

And, she is suddenly taken aback by the grave, concerned expression on her father's face.  She doesn't know that what dad hears her saying is this:  "I'll alter him."

Ouch!  How the English language with its myriad homonyms can sink a parent's heart!  Poor dad!  Because, as a seasoned adult, he knows:  You can't change anyone but yourself.

And, entering a marriage thinking you can change your partner in any way, shape, or form is a recipe for disaster.  It makes me wonder . . . How many divorces are a result of this hopeless and hapless misconception?

There is only One who can change us.  Jesus.  Even then, we must be willing participants in that transformation.  The Lord is ever polite.  A true gentleman.  He longs for the invitation, but waits patiently for it.

His desire is to make us His children of light.  His hands and feet working in this world for His Kingdom.  His beloved sheep who know His voice.

But, Jesus waits . . .

Only Jesus can change us.  Only He can save us from our sins.

And, save us from ourselves.

~

How have you allowed Lord Jesus to change you?

Will you pray with me?
Help us to remember, Father, that we cannot change anyone but ourselves.  We pray today for all those who have yet to choose to love and worship Your precious Son, Christ Jesus, and allow Him to change their lives.  Let them hear His voice and heed His call.  Amen.


12 comments:

  1. There have been many instances in life Martha when I have hated the way things have been but once I am back to my senses I realise that this is HIS signal to me asking to change !

    And yes such changes have always been loved by me in the long run though at that time they are very painful...

    AMEN

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by today, Me!
      Change IS painful - no doubt about that! But, God does call us to grow, and so we must if we want to be closer to Him.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  2. I LOVE it! And ain't it so!

    One other thought... just about the time you get used to the fact that you can't change your spouse, you have to get used to the reality that your spouse HAS changed somewhat - that they aren't exactly the person you married. That can be a tough adjustment.

    Great thoughts, friend.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for visiting, Andy!
      Yes, we do change during a marriage as we grow and become used to one another. Not always a bad thing as long as a couple can grow together. I agree, though, that sometimes, the adjustments aren't easy.
      Blessings to you!

      Delete
  3. Ouch, LOL. So wise and at the same time very practical dear friend. I always have to remind myself of this. I loved the story you shared and how you emphasized that there is only One who can change us. It's very true. Only God could ever move me and it's because of His great love and mercy which, thanks God, He allows me to recognize every moment...every single day.

    I pray with you. We are constantly changing and the world does too... may we come to love others the way You have loved us. You patiently wait for each of us to grow. Thank You dear Jesus.

    Lots of love dear Martha :*

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for coming by today, Melissa, and thanks so much for praying with me and leaving your own beautiful prayer!
      And, yes, only God can change us in our hearts, right where it counts the most.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  4. Hi Martha:
    What comes to mind when I read this:
    When you walk it tomorrow, think about all the times you've danced up and down it since you were a little girl. Focus on that. Then, turn your focus to the altar. It is there you were baptized, confirmed, took your first Communion...

    It's what I constantly tell my BEST friend:
    One step at a time, Put one foot in front of the other and you'll reach your goal.
    Seems like Pastor Wallace knows my secret too. LoL!
    --
    Chris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think Pastor Wallace does know your secret, Chris! :) And, yes, we DO need to take things a step at a time, not rushing blindly forward, but listening for God's guidance.
      Thanks so much for visiting!
      Blessings to you!

      Delete
  5. So true Martha that we have to invite the Lord into our lives. And yes he waits patiently until we do. Beautiful post. Blessings to you my friend.

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    1. Thanks so much for dropping by, Suzy!
      Yes, our Lord is a true gentleman. Let's hope and pray that everyone would invite Him into their lives!
      Love and blessings!

      Delete
  6. I think my husband and I have become each other..haha the things that used to bother me about him he stopped doing and now I do those things and the things that used to bother him about me I stopped doing and now he does!!! and we both see it in each other so can't really complain...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for coming by, Annmarie!
      Oh, lol, that is a hoot! And, it's also a marvelous testimony to how much love you share. Putting up with/ignoring the little irritants just makes a marriage stronger.
      Love and blessings!

      Delete

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