I had never imagined getting to the place where I resisted the idea of change. Once upon a time when I was younger and healthier, I thrived on the challenges of spontaneity. Nothing seemed outside the realm of possibility. That was then. The story of my life has taken a much different turn than I anticipated. Perhaps you can relate to what I’m saying, when your life unsuspectingly ends up dealing with painful things much bigger than who you are?
When too many days are lost to personal suffering, your confidence becomes shattered and without even realizing it, your ability to cope with change slowly but noticeably diminishes because of long-term pain and brokenness.
So when you decide to make that fresh new start, you probably do so from the starting point of being wounded. Without overstating the obvious, this is much more difficult to do than when you’re healthy. And remarkably, being wounded doesn’t mean that you can recognize the extent of your damage – which is now part of who you’ve become. As a result, your first step in the right direction might be somewhat wobbly and your gait seemingly unfitting to stay on the road to recovery.
But as I’ve discussed before, what’s really being tested? Is it the enormity of your wounds or is it your beliefs? Change is always harder when your beliefs are powerless. When trying to get rid of your old behaviors for the new and improved, inevitably your beliefs are being tested.
Sure painful experiences help to create your conscious memories, but this does not necessarily mean that they have to primarily comprise your beliefs. I know that if I had held permanently onto the hopelessness found in brokenness, then I would have never participated in the redeemed lifestyle. Instead, I probably would have remained limp on the couch, discouraged about the changing world around me and immobilized from lack of exercise while eating myself to death. You don’t have to allow your painful memories to keep you hostage in the miry clay.
Simply, change becomes palatable when your mind is renewed. And when referring to renewal, I’m not talking about compiling more thoughts about personal change on top of your latent wounds. This tendency leads to double-minded unsteadiness in your search for wholeness.
Change is not easy, but it is rewarding. Wisdom does not eliminate your trials nor does it make change any easier to bear. I know this sounds unpopular among those who are searching for quick fixes or who are traveling the path of least resistance. However, the true wisdom of God provides you with the ability to endure whatever you have to face.
As wisdom has formed the backbone of my beliefs, it also has fortified my resolve to move forward more powerfully, as it will for you. Your wobbly first step can be transformed into deliberate, brisk walking against the voice of doubtful and hurtful memories.
Keep me on your favorites about spiritual fitness. You can begin this exciting journey of transformation regardless if you’re living with chronic pain or if you’re up against horrendous obstacles.