Author: Madison Tompkins
I’m running. I’m in the zone. Sunlight spills through the trees, creating a pattern on the trail in front of me. I’m toward the end of a long run. At this point my head is clear. All of the gears in my brain have been redirected to my legs, my feet. No anxiety. No tasks, or work, or responsibility. It’s just my breathing, the pain in my legs, and the trail. I don’t know what day it is. I don’t know what time it is.
What time is it, by the way?
OH NO!
The realization comes crashing in. I have an appointment in 30 minutes and it’s IN PERSON. I’ll have to shower and drive fast if I expect to make it.
Immediately, before all of these thoughts have a chance to settle, I pivot. I completely change my direction and book it home. I’m pretty far from home so I have to run fast to make it in time. I’m tired, but the adrenaline has kicked in. I don’t know if I’m going to make it, but I know I’m going to try.
We all know what it’s like to be moving in the same direction for a long period of time. Some call it “focused” while others might say they’re “in a rut.” Even though we use different words, we’re talking about the same thing. We’re talking about the pattern our life has taken. These are the patterns that keep us moving forward. These patterns, be they thoughts or actions can move us closer to success or closer to ruin.
We might not even realize we are in this pattern. We may have been “in the zone” for way too long. Every now and then something will shake us; it will wake us up to these patterns. When that happens the question isn’t “How did I get here?” it’s “What am I going to do now?”
Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
There’s a transformation that only Jesus can bring. Only Christ can truly change your mind. Sometimes he uses an epiphany. Sometimes it’s a conversation with a Godly friend. Sometimes (and many times) it’s through His word.
If we aren’t careful, we will fight Jesus on this transformation. We’ll resist the change. We’ll stay focused on the easy way forward. We’ll keep running in the direction we started because we want to be in control. We’ll keep running even if it means disaster. We don’t want to change our mind.
But if we are responsive to Him, we can trust that the transformation will be good. When we do pivot, it will be by his power. Not our own strength, not our own plans, and not our own ability to transform. It will be a work of God in us.
Here’s what you do if you want this kind of change:
- Seek the Lord. Ask Him for a revelation. Maybe you need an epiphany. He’s the one that can provide it!
- Seek wise counsel. A Christlike friend might have the perspective you need. Don’t underestimate how often God will use the people around us.
- Seek His word. Crack open the Bible, even if you don’t know where to start. By God’s power, scripture will speak to you when you give it room to breathe.
Right now might be a season of change for you. It might be a changing lifestyle, changing mindset, or a changing heart. Don’t resist the change. Let Christ transform your mind. Let him transform your heart. Change your mind by the power of Christ in you. Then run harder than you’ve ever run before.
