Why are we sometimes so resistant to change?

In order to change something or make it different, you need to be willing for the change to happen. Ah…. but we are not always willing for that change to happen, are we? We are resistant because it means that we may need to see our life or path in a different way. This is true, especially, if it involves a loss of our original identity, like a change in our job or career or the sudden loss of a loved one.

So, in order to answer that question, we need to first understand the overall meaning of the word change. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is a “Verb.” that means to “alter, vary, modify, mean to make or become different. Change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another.”

I have found that sometimes we might not want to admit that we are wanting to do something different in the first place, then if we have dreams of what our new reality could be, we may become disillusioned because it might not have turned out the way that we thought that it would. Although, I am aware that since we can’t see the end result, it doesn’t mean that it will turn out bad, just different than how we envisioned it to be, which, may in turn, be a better thing altogether. Does that make sense? Let me give you a personal example of what happened to me.

I recently grew tired of being a teacher and wanted to do something else with my life. Don’t get me wrong, I sincerely loved my babies that I taught and the people that I worked closely with, but something had been brewing in the back of my mind for about 3 years that was pushing me to go in a different direction in my life. I actually had to take a leave of absence from my job in order to truly understand what I wanted to do. You see, I had thought that I was going to retire as a teacher. It was a stable job, but that is not what happened as I increasingly felt like I was losing the joyful person that I usually am.

When I did make the break from school, I had had these grand thoughts that I would be a consultant due to my educational experience, but I soon began to realize that God had a different plan for me all together. He wanted me to start a blog. I know, crazy, right?!? Yeah, that’s what I thought too. Frankly, since I have just begun this journey, I’m still not completely sure of the path that He is taking me on yet or where it will lead. That part of me that doesn’t like change (and likes security) is completely petrified! I know that God has a purpose, but He just hasn’t revealed that part of the plan to me yet, so I have to have faith and trust in the path that He has put me on. I have found that the answer to my new purpose, though, will come clear when I have given it over to Him even more fully, but not before or even during the journey.

Changing our path or going on a detour in life is difficult. I have found that it’s okay to question it and even be angry at God about it (even if you do become angry, at least you are talking to Him). I do know this…… He wants to be a part of the discovery and journey that we are on. So, the question that you need to ask yourself is….. do you trust Him enough to get you through? The biggest thing, though, is that when you do end up in a better place because of it (and you will!)…… be sure to say “Thank you!”. He would appreciate that.

So, what did I learn from this? I’ve learned (and am still learning) gratitude and watchfulness. I’m thankful that God thinks so much of me to give me the opportunity to do something that I would not have conceived on my own. I’m also watchful for the blessings that He has, does and will bestow on me because I answered the call, regardless of where it leads me. It will be to a better place. He does not ask me to do something so huge, just to leave me hanging.

What can you gain from this? Change is never easy, but know that you are not alone. So, in the midst of your detour, give thanks to a God who loves you. Give praise to a God who sees you through your struggles. And most of all? Worship a God who loves you and always wants what’s best for you.