Dear Friends!

I’m writing to you today to share a lesson I learned years ago. It’s something I’m so thankful God taught me . . . and He used my son to do it. (I love how God can use anything or anyone to teach us truths from His Word, even our children!)

It’s transformed my life and ministry in a number of amazing ways. And I believe God wants to show you the same thing He showed me. It all centres around one word—a word that many of us fear: change.

Change can be scary, can’t it? We don’t always like it because we get set in our ways, in our mindsets, in our habits, and in our routines. But can I tell you something? Change can be a good thing. Especially when it’s a change that God makes in us — in our hearts, minds, and attitudes. But in order to experience the new thing God has for us, we have to find the courage to change.

The truth is that God never changes (Malachi 3:6), but He works tirelessly to change us. And I’m so glad He does!

Bad habits, wrong mindsets, past wounds. For many people, we get used to holding on to these things. But God wants to bring a change to our lives because He has something better in store. He wants to bring change into your life so you can experience the joy-filled, overcoming life Jesus came to give you. Remember what the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMPC) . . .

Therefore, if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah), he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

As Christians, we are new creatures altogether. The old has gone, and the new has come! And it’s a continual process—changing daily to become more and more like Jesus. Now, I know that change isn’t always easy . . . But it's really worth it when we get involved! About 20 years ago, our conference attendance was declining. As I looked around at the crowds, I realised that the people there were about the same age I was. This wasn’t a good sign because it meant I wasn’t reaching younger people.

Our son Daniel, who was about 20 years old then, had recently come to work for us in a position of authority and he suggested many changes that I initially resisted. He recommended having younger bands lead worship, updating the way I dressed, and modernising the look of our platform. He also advised changing our monthly magazine and even redecorating some of our office space.

At first, I felt insulted by my son’s ideas, as though he was saying I had not done a good job. But he helped me understand that this wasn’t the case. I had taken the ministry to the point where it was, but the time had come when I needed input from people who were younger than I was.

One day, in a meeting, the discussion got a bit heated. I finally said, "Dan, everyone here agrees with me." He replied, "Of course they do. They’re all the same age you are." He was right, and I realised that we had to let him make the changes he suggested. Even though I didn’t particularly like all of them, I must admit that he was correct, and our ministry has grown.

Now, when I look at the crowds at our conferences, I see people of all ages and from all walks of life, not just people of my generation. Our ministry’s growth has enabled us to help more people.

It’s a simple and practical story, but I hope it helps you see how important it is to be open to change. You may be facing the challenge of change right now. Maybe . . . like I was, you’re struggling with the idea of making changes in your life. I know that change requires courage, but I also know that leaving behind an old season and embracing the new experiences God has for you is totally worth it.

Let me put it this way:

Don't ever be afraid to give up good and go for the great.

Anytime God calls you to change something in your life, He is doing it because He has something great in store. You may be used to old patterns — they seem familiar — but God doesn’t want you to get stuck there. Every time He calls you to change, it is for your benefit.

• Have you lived with unforgiveness for a long time? It’s time to change!
• Do you live most days with a negative attitude? It’s time to change!
• Are you a natural worrier, always assuming the worst? It’s time to change!
• Have you assumed that your best days are behind you? It’s time to change!

The Word of God says that we are to forget the former things and not dwell on the past because He is doing a new thing, and He doesn’t want us to miss it (Isaiah 43:18-19 ).

When you discover the courage to change when God calls you to, there is nothing that can keep you from experiencing God’s best in your life — today, tomorrow, next week, and for years to come.

Never forget: Whatever change you’re facing today, you’re not facing it alone. God is with you, and He will guide you through it every step of the way. You’re going to look back and be amazed at His goodness.

Change can seem scary, but any change God asks you to make is for your good. He has great things in store for your life. Start trusting and obeying him today.