Things have to change. The world is a mess, people are frustrating, and life in general is not turning out like I planned. So I knelt down to ask God to start changing things.
I prayed, “God change my job so that I might be more successful”;
God answered, “I will change you so that you will do all things in my name and find satisfaction in place of success.”
I prayed, “God change my marriage so I will be happier”;
God answered, “I will change you so that you will love and serve your spouse joyfully and find contentment.”
I prayed, “God change my children so that they will follow what I say”;
God answered, “I will change you so that your children will see in you an example of selfless devotion and follow me.”
I prayed, “God change my finances so that I will have more money and feel secure”;
God answered, “I will change you so that you will be content with less and find your only security in me.”
I prayed, “God change my church so that I will like the people better and enjoy the worship service more”;
God answered, “I will change you so that you will find joy in acceptance, humility in worship and sustenance in fellowship.”
I prayed, “God change my health so that I will be strong and whole”;
God answered, “I will change you so that my strength will be made perfect in your weakness.”
I prayed, “God change my neighbors so that they will be easier to live with”;
God answered, “I will change you so that you will have a heart to serve your neighbor.”
I prayed, “God change the world so that there will be peace”;
God answered, “I will change you so that you will be a peacemaker wherever you go.”
I prayed, “God change the obstacles in my life so that I might make something of myself”;
God answered, “I will change you so that through your complete surrender I might make you into the person I created you to be.”
I stopped my praying, considered God’s response, and began anew,
“Dear God, change me…”