Many of us do not like change, we like our worlds ordered and uncomplicated.  Yet, if we are truly honest, we know this too is an illusion. The times we are living in tend to create complications and chaos. We, tend to create complications and chaos, because we depend on ourselves more than we depend on God.  We believe we can create the answers that are needed. Not only do we leave God out, we work independently from one another. We have become so independent that when the need arises, we aren’t even sure where to go or how to ask.  We have forgotten how light works in the darkness, how to be salt to the earth or an example to those in need.

I suspect the truth is, our lives are not as ordered as we would like them to be and too often we actually hide from God. We fail to walk like the example He gave to us. Truth is, that though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death He is with us. (Ps 23)  We have nothing to fear because God is at our side. His rod and His staff are there to comfort us, if we would stop getting in the way.  Ah, but we are human.

The “change” we need is not about money, it is not about who is the President or what religion we are, it is not about the things we can hold on to or control. The change is about our relationship with God. The fact is we have a God who loves us so much that He gave His ONLY Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life (Jn 3:16).

He never promises to fix things, repay loans, keep us healthy, make the people around us behave better, stop the suffering, pain and disillusions.  He promises to love us, to walk with us, to forgive us. 

The moments we see clearly, hear loudly, and feel deeply that God is with us on this journey, we understand that the real change that must take place, takes place inside of us.  It is a place that the world cannot take from us. It is where we meet the Holy Spirit in our souls and it makes us shine as a light into the darkness.  Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. Your light must shine in people’s sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in Heaven: (Matt 5:14-16).

Life is tough and the times ahead are uncertain but we hold a promise from the creator of the universe that is beyond the wisdom of men to take us to places of peace and joy the “world” will never know. 

And then, what does he ask of us? To love others.  Here is your path. Here is your future.  Here is where our relationship with God is lived out in the world.  “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

When we are free from all the changes we “should” make, “have to” make or have on our New Year resolution “to do” lists, we can become lights to the world. Lights that work, like a beacon, to welcome weary people to safe places, where they can also hear, feel and see the love of Christ.

To reconcile the world to Christ, one person at a time, is the Via de Cristo method. Do you recognize it? Do you see it for the light it can be? Are you using it? And please remember the Via de Cristo method also includes reunion group, where we stir up one another to make our lights even brighter.

God Loves You and So Do I ! 

Tracy