*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).
Motivator 3: Be First
Your inner transition will affect those around you, but don’t expect others to take up the slack of your personal growth. People can help you, but they are not responsible to keep you motivated. Like the saying goes: “The First Guy Through the Wall Always Gets Bloody.” You are in essence the first person trying to break through the wall of change to claim new territory. Once others see your victory, they’ll see the possibility of inner change in their own life. You will encourage others by claiming victory through Christ and showing everyone that you can overcome (Revelation 12.11).
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4.17 NIV).
Motivator 4: Speak Life
Positive self-talk is extremely important during change. You can encourage yourself with the words you think, believe and speak. The Bible has a lot of amazing things to say about you. You are loved, valued and created for a purpose (1 John 3.1, 1 Peter 2.9, Romans 8.28). You can encourage yourself in the Lord knowing that Jesus believes in you and is always interceding for you (Romans 8.34 NIV). Your thoughts and words can make a path of lights on your journey of change. Don’t think or say anything that will lead your transition in the wrong direction (2 Corinthians 10.5). Inner change is difficult, so speak words that enhance the process, not hinder it.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (Proverbs 18.21 NLT).
Motivator 5: Renew Strength
Transitions are difficult and tiring because sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel can’t be seen. But don’t give up. Instead, learn to rest in God and allow Him to renew your strength like the soaring eagles learn to rest on the wind. The wind pushes them up higher and higher as they yield to its force. An unyielded heart is not easily lifted, but a tender heart becomes like clay in the Potter’s Hands (Isaiah 64.8). Learn to rest in God, so He can renew your strength when change becomes wearisome.
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40.31 NLT).
Motivator 6: Find Intimacy
Life is about getting to know God more deeply and transforming into the image of His Son, Jesus. We are only on this earth for a short time, and God uses each day to shape us into the people we are going to be for eternity. God wants to mold you into your best design. But more importantly, God wants to know you intimately, like a Father wants to know His child (1 John 3.1). He enjoys your company and longs to spend time with you. Inner change is an excellent way to lean into God. As you learn to rely on God, you will fall more deeply in love with Him.
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3.18 NLT).
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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