Why do we resist change? (1) - All The Word for Today Daily Devotionals for 2024

‘Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!’ Psalm 80:3 NKJV

When Italian explorer Christopher Columbus returned to Spain in 1492 after his first trip across the Atlantic Ocean, he was considered a national hero and credited with discovering new lands. But do you think people changed their minds about the earth being flat? Not at all—they went right on believing the earth was flat. It was not until that generation passed on and the next one took their place that people realised the earth was round, just as Columbus had claimed. That’s how long it took for people to change their minds—an entire generation! We all resist change.

Dr John Maxwell writes: ‘For many years, I thought leaders liked change and everyone else didn’t. As a visionary leader, I always felt that I was drawing reluctant followers into the future. But I finally realised that leaders don’t like change any more than followers do—unless, of course, it’s their idea!’ Let’s be honest; change is hard for everyone.

American writer Mark Twain said, ‘The only person who likes change is a wet baby.’ Truly, change is one of the greatest obstacles you will ever face. Why is that? After all, doesn’t progress demand change? And doesn’t growth too? We can’t move forwards and stay in the same place.

So, for the next few days, we’re going to talk about why we resist change so much. Acknowledging his own stubborn nature and his fear of change, on four different occasions David prayed, ‘Restore us, O God.’ (see Psalm 80:3 NKJV) That’s like praying, ‘Lord, I need to change, but I’m afraid to change, so make me willing to change.’ And that’s a prayer God will answer for you, so start praying it today.

SoulFood: 2 Cor 11:16 – 13:14 Luke 2:21-33 Ps 8 Pro 16:8-11