*Video at the end of article
Two types of Change: Outer and Inner.
Outer change shifts our inner world. We get married, change jobs, move houses, lose a friend, have a baby, etc. An outer change drastically alters our life, forcing us to adjust to our new circumstances. These transitions happen to us, and we have no choice but to cope and adapt.
Inner change shifts our outer world. We alter our time management, thought processes, attitudes, habits, behaviors. etc. Unlike outer change, this transition occurs inside of us, forcing our circumstances to adjust to our will. These transitions happen by choice, and we move our circumstances by activated faith and action.
Inner Change Creates Outer Shifts
Many times we beg God to change our circumstances, so we can make a transition to a higher level of growth (Hebrews 6.1). However, God knows that the shift must first happen within us. He wants us to change the world around us. This transition can be difficult because it is easy to give up and go back to our old, antiquated way of living. Our determination and belief that God has something better for us has to ignite our resolve. Faith becomes our motivator to change, not our circumstances. Inner transitions are the most difficult to produce, but with God all things are possible.
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19.26 NIV).
Here are 6 motivators for Inner Change
Motivator 1: Start Small
Imagine a chain linked necklace. From a distance, the necklace looks like one smooth piece of metal, but in actuality it is made up of small, circular links of metal. Inner change is like that. Each choice and action is a link that attaches itself to a long transitional chain that forces our circumstances to shift. Once we see our inner change is made up of smaller pieces, it will be easier to continue adding links to the bigger picture without feeling defeated.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4.10 NLT).
Motivator 2: Make Goals
Learn to make daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals that become gems along the transition you are creating. These smaller goals are unique portions of the ultimate masterpiece God has in mind. Like the saying goes: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” The bigger the promise, the more puzzle pieces involved, the longer it will take. Impatience will always destroy change. Great things take time. Learn to love each day as it comes during the transitional process.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2.10 NLT).
*Read the rest of this article by purchasing my award-winning book, Reframing: 40 Days to Reframe & Refresh Your Life, on Amazon.
If you would like link of motivation each day to encourage you on your journey of transition by faith, purchase my one year devotional, Slay the Day: Your Daily Dose of Victory.
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