I Can’t Change on My Own
“God can do the impossible, He literally changed my desires and I knew that was something I couldn't do myself."
-Adrian
Adrian grew up in a Christian home. She knew ABOUT God but didn’t know Him intimately. Away at college, she was given the ability to make her own choices and found herself making poor ones as she looked for love and acceptance. After college, she had her first real encounter with God and then spent five years living a double life, hiding in shame from her Christian friends and family, and living her life as she saw fit. Ultimately with God’s help, she was able to turn her life around and live a life that honors Christ.
When Adrian was living apart from God, why couldn’t she change on her own?
- She was living on her own, without any accountability.
- She asked God to change her but didn’t mean it.
- She felt shame from her sin, and it kept her from seeking the help she needed.
- She had turned away from God’s word and instead listened to the lies of her friends.
Four keys to Adrian’s ability to change:
- Asking: God are you real?
- Worshipping: Singing praise music to God.
- Weeping: Mourning over the things she had done that were wrong, and asking God to make her clean.
- Connecting: Finding a local Bible teaching church and building relationships.
Words To Live By:
“ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
Dr. Ron’s Perspective:
Mental health professionals often say that the past is the best predictor of future behavior. Childhood and teenage life experiences do shape our personalities and our view of the world and ourselves. Family dysfunction, abuse, neglect, and broken relationships can lead to a pattern of struggle and heartache. Hopelessness and despair can eventually set in and become a way of living. Childhood hurts can negatively affect a person’s self-esteem and self-worth, but a difficult childhood does not have to keep one from feeling happy and discovering their purpose in life. The past does not have to define your character. We must choose to either let the past be a roadblock to success or use “life’s hard knocks” to grow us and enable us to help other hurting people. Identify a person or a group of people that could benefit from your wisdom and experiences. Reach out to them and show understanding and compassion. This step alone will go a long way in helping you feel better about yourself.
