PIDGIN: POWER FOR CHANGE

POWER FOR CHANGE Acts 1:8 Change as a verb is to make someone or something different, to alter or modify the original or faulty and replace it with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better, substitute one thing for another, while as a noun, change is an act or process through which something becomes different. When we look at change from a biblical perspective, it means to make something completely different. The power for change and shift required to modify us is only empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the one referred to as the helper in John 14:26 is the one that enables and helps believers to walk in righteousness and carry out their spiritual activities without stumbling. The Holy Spirit came upon Saul powerfully in 1 Samuel 10:6, to turn, change or shift him into a different person. Change can be good or bad, temporal or permanent. But lasting change only comes from the Lord. We have friends and family members we all wish would change, we've prayed for them, even asked them to try and change but nobody can change anyone or themselves, we all need the “helper”, the Holy Spirit to bring change. Change occurs, when there’s an acknowledgement, understanding and acceptance that there is a need for change and a desperate desire for that alteration in behaviour, character or personality. Everything and everyone in creation is subject to change but God remains the same forever as He declared in Malachi 3:6, “I, the Lord, never change,”. Knowing that God does not change should boost our confidence that He alone is qualified to change us. God can do everything but fail and lie as Numbers 23:19 says because He doesn’t have the attributes of frail humanity, He is incapable of being wrong or making mistakes, and therefore, God will not change his mind concerning a decision once He’s made it as seen in 1 Samuel 15:29. See how often you change we change our minds when things don’t suit us but still find it hard to change our behaviour and character when required. We’re all sinners saved by grace but our change is a process and progress through the power of the Holy Spirit. God never changes, but we do. Our bodies, brains, ideas, and values all change. God made us with the ability to change. We were created in God’s image with the capacity, ability and intellect to be distinctive from animals in behaviour, attitude and character. God is immutable, we’re not, we are liable to change and the Holy Spirit grants us the power to effect any desired change. Where God is infallible, we’re definitely fallible, constantly making mistakes that require us to want to change and be better. We don’t necessarily like change but change is what makes us alive, breaking monotony and stagnation. It is what shows us how much growth and progress we’re making. We can change for the better or worse, but for any change to be lasting and permanent, we must depend on the power and Spirit of God to effect that change. The power for change is only through the Spirit of God that can change from the old into the new man in Christ. Shalom Apostle Blessing Women of light international prayer ministries.