How many know that change can be scary for some people? Yes, there is the fear of the unknown associated with change; however, there is also the fear of the known. More specifically, the fear of leaving what people have known all their lives, even if it's a change for the better. They are comfortable where they are in life, in spite of the fact it may be a terrible place in which to exist. This runs deeper than the proverbial "get out of your comfort zone." It's a place of safety where they know the rules of the game, so to speak. They know how to at least survive there. For some, mere survival is good; but, it is not God's best for them!
Moreover, some fear leaving people behind. Change might mean some sort of separation, whether it's less time spent together, or even an all-out departure or estrangement. Some are horrified of rejection, which means the simple thought of being rejected by friends and loved ones serves as a barrier to it. Generally, no one likes being scoffed at, but it's a minor price to pay for the best you ever. If your friends criticize or flat reject you because you're making a positive move in the right direction, then it begs the question, what kind of friends are they really? Of course, misery does love company. On the other hand, if you change, you may influence them to change for the better as well. Yes, it takes courage!
Whether or not a change means a new address, one thing is certain, without a spiritual change, you'll never be your best version until you do. You may never physically leave, but you will need to leave certain schools of thought. Some of which, you should never have been enrolled in to begin with. It wouldn't have hurt you if you got straight Fs and were expelled. Nonetheless, here you are with some wrong thoughts and imaginations that you've embraced all your life. These are also biblically known as strongholds (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). They do need to be cast down and utterly destroyed. Some of them have hindered the way you look at God, others and yourself. For example, some grew up believing that they're worthless and are not valued by anyone else, including God. That sounds extreme, but you'd be surprised by how many people fit in this category. The idea that they are of immense worth and are greatly loved by God totally wrecks them. Several of them are so against the idea that they will sabotage themselves to disprove it. Until they conclude that God is good and He loves them, they'll be hard pressed to move on. Furthermore, they need to learn to love themselves as God loves them. Once they do that, or at least start moving in that direction, they'll start changing for the better.
Some have made idols out their misconceptions. There are those who get a strange kick out being rejected by others. They glory in it as they expound on it to others. It's as if rejection is some sort of badge of honor. While it's an honor to be persecuted and rejected for Jesus' sake, it's hardly the same thing. The point is that as a long as people make pets out their hurts and strongholds, they're not going to change. If your hurt or stronghold means more to you than God's love for you, you have an idol.
While it's true we walk by faith and not by sight, walking by faith means a departure from the familiar and moving to the unfamiliar. The promise land is not found in your old haunts; it's found where God leads you. We do not navigate to new territory on our own; rather, we follow the Lord, and He gets us there. That takes a lot of pressure off. Think about this: if Abraham had not left the familiar in obedience to God, chances are you would not have a walk of faith. Remember, Jesus came from the line of Abraham. Genesis 12:1-2 Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing" (Read all of his story, starting in Genesis 11:26). Whether we realize it or not, our walk of faith is also part of our journey to becoming who God intended us to be -the image of Jesus. It starts with the willingness to say, "Yes, Lord!"
1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.
