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I Don’t Want To Change

Sometimes situations force us to make changes.  At other times, we get so tired of our current results that we initiate change.  Sometimes in life we know we need to change, but just refuse to change.

Why do we fight and resist change at times?

At some point, we recognize the need for change.  Perhaps we see it or someone else points it out to us.  But, we all know too well that nothing changes by simply recognizing a need for change.

For example, if you are overweight then you recognize there needs to be a change.  You may even desire to weigh a certain amount.  The end result of the change is appealing, but changing what needs to change to arrive at that point is not pleasant at all.

Like everything else, change starts in your mind first, and most of the time the mind objects to change. “No, I don’t want to eat smaller portions and cut out unhealthy snacks!”   “No!  I don’t want to exercise every day. I don’t have enough time!  What if I overdo it?”

The mind objects to leaving the comfortable environment that it has become so accustomed to.  We all like to be comfortable, and change interrupts our comfort zone.  We many times love and protect that comfort zone regardless of the results we are getting.

The mind seems to have some kind of objection whether the possible changes are little changes or big changes.  The mind does not want to be interrupted or bothered.  In a sense, it protects that comfort zone.

These Keys Work!

So how can you bring about change in your life?  Here are two key you can use when you really want to see some change in your life.  Number one, you must consistently remind yourself of the reason and end result the change will bring about.  For example, say “When I eat smaller portions and cut out some snacks I will lose weight, feel healthier and live longer.”

This first key is important, no matter what kind of change you are pursuing.  “Spending the money and time to take this course will improve my skills and abilities and give me much more to offer prospective employers.”

If you don’t keep reminding yourself of why, your mind comes back with a whole lot of reasons why you really don’t need to change anything!  “This is too hard; you can’t do this; you really don’t need to go this far; you really need some cookies!”

Just realize that your mind is protecting your comfort zone.  Simply respond back with the end result of this change.

And, number two, be patient.  Stay the course.  Stay consistent and persistent; both pay big dividends. The change will come.

Have You Ever Planted A Garden?

I haven’t planted a garden for awhile, but when I did I learned a lot about patience.  After putting the seeds in the ground, I was consistent in watering every day.  And it seems like there always came a point where one day I would say, “Well, where is everything?”  All this persistent and consistent watering has produced nothing.  Were the seeds I planted bad seeds?”

It’s easy to get impatient when you see no noticeable results.  But the results will come; stay persistent and consistent.  Don’t let your mind suggest that you should quit and head back to your comfort zone.

Again remind your mind of the goal, the place you will arrive as a result of the change.  And then, don’t forget that change takes time; be patient.

It’s Just The Way Life Is

Change is really a part of life.  When you realize that, life takes on a whole new excitement.  You are not stuck in a rut.  You can change whatever you set your mind to do.  Don’t be afraid of change; instead, embrace it.

The effort needed for change will vary, but the results when you reach your desired destination will greatly outweigh the time and effort you put into the change.

If things in your life are not bringing you the results that you really desire, then it’s time for a change.  Are you ready to venture out of your comfort zone?  It all depends upon your desire to see real change happen in your life.

Mike Verdicchio
2013

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You Might Also Enjoy:
How’s Your Comfort Zone?
Are You The Legs?
Stop Making Excuses!

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Do You Need Help?

In December of 1971 I accepted a new radio job in Panama City, Florida.  We drove there all the way from Denver in our VW Bus.  Kathy’s dad let us use his gas card for the trip and that was very helpful.  We arrived with around forty or fifty dollars.

It was very close to Christmas, and because of the pay cycle, I would not receive my first check until January 10th.  Coincidentally, the owner of the radio station gave everyone a

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Does God Really Hear Your Prayers?

I don’t know when it started but somewhere along the line I was taught to pray to God.  Prayer has always been a part of my life since I can remember.  As a child, I remember asking God for things I needed.

Many people pray to God every day; there are others who pray only when there is an emergency, and there are those who do not pray.  But almost everyone has heard about prayer.  If God does indeed hear your prayers, that would mean two other, almost unbelievable things are also true.

The simplest definition of prayer is talking to God.  Whether it is praise, thanks, or petitions, prayer is speaking to the Almighty.  Whether it is in a quiet moment or during a stressful emotional time, it is speaking to the Creator.

Does He hear when we speak to Him?  “Well of course He does,” someone may quickly reply.  But how do we know that He really does hear the words we speak to Him?

He Said So

For those who believe the Bible is God’s Word, you can see verses of scripture that plainly say God hears when we speak to Him.  One such verse is in the first epistle of Peter, where it says, “His ears are open unto their prayers.”  It says something very similar in Psalm 34.

So, according to what God says in His Word, He does hear our prayers. This is the first thing that is almost unbelievable.  Why?  Because if you think about it for a minute, it shows just how big God really is.

His Ability

What if every single person on the planet decided to pray to God at exactly the same time?  Yes, He would hear all the prayers.  That kind of ability is beyond our comprehension.

Have you ever had more than one person trying to talk to you at the same time?  If you are a parent to more than one child, then you understand what I’m saying.  I don’t know about you, but I can only focus on what one person is saying at a time.

There is no quantification mentioned in the scriptures of God’s ears being open to our prayers.  In other words, His ears are always open to all our prayers.  That means He not only hears your prayers, but my prayers, too.

It is remarkably awesome to consider the great ability of the Creator of the heavens and the earth.  He said in His Word that His ears are open to our prayers.  That means whenever anyone speaks to God, no matter who or how many, or when, or where, He hears.

His Willingness

There is something else that is almost unbelievable.  Have you ever considered why His ears are open to our prayers?  It is because He decided that He would keep His ears open to all prayers to Him.

Have you ever turned your phone off because you did not want to be interrupted with a call or a text?  Have you ever told someone, “Let’s talk about this later” because you just didn’t have the time right then to handle it?  In our lives, many times we are too busy to deal with everyone who comes our way.

But God is not only big enough to hear every single prayer. He wants to hear every single prayer.  He is willing to hear every single prayer!  He is the One Who decided to keep His ears open to our prayers.

Pray

Considering God’s ability and willingness concerning prayer gives us a little more insight on why there are so many scriptures encouraging us to pray to God.  He is not only willing and able to hear our prayers, but the Bible also says that He is a very present help in time of need.  That should inspire us to talk to Him more.

Seeing His ability and willingness concerning prayer inspires me to not only ask for His help, but it inspires me to trust Him and believe that He will help.  I can have confidence in God because I can see His ability and His willingness. I can then pray and believe that He will indeed help me and answer my prayers.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

Don’t Be Shy – Leave A Comment!
Do you have some thoughts about this?  We’d love to hear what you think. Just scroll to the bottom of this post and type in your comment. (If you are receiving this post via email or RSS, just click the title above and then scroll to the bottom of the post and type in your comment.)

You Might Also Enjoy:
Persistent In Prayer
3 Prayer Keys
Go Into Your Closet
George Muller: Delighted In God by Roger Steer

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There’s More!
For past articles, click on the, “Posts” tab above.  For past videos and podcasts, mouse over the “Posts” tab above.  Look for more videos as well as more podcasts coming soon to Confidence And Joy!

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How To Avoid Disappointment

We all experience disappointments from time to time. People, circumstances, situations, and sometimes even the weather disappoint us.  But let me give you an absolutely fool proof method that will ensure you will experience a lot of disappointment.

I promise you, the more you follow this method the more you will be disappointed.  It’s so simple that many people do it without realizing the end result.  I define it in three words: