God, Help Me to Change

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we invite you to join us in a heartfelt plea: "God, help me to change." Change can be daunting, but with God’s guidance, it becomes a powerful journey of transformation. We’ll explore the areas in our lives where we seek growth, the role of prayer in our process, and how to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength. Together, we’ll discuss practical steps to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and align our hearts with God’s will. Join us as we seek His help in becoming the people He created us to be.

Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! What changes are you asking God to help you with? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. What has your journey of change looked like?

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Full Transcript Below:

God, Help Me to Change

By Kelly Balarie

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15 NASB

The first time the coffee mug fell, I didn’t think too much of it. I took some water and splashed it on the patio floor. Sure, it would have been smarter if I put the cup, initially, on the coffee table, rather than half-way propping it up on an outdoor patio couch where only a tap of my elbow or a readjustment on the couch would tumble it over, but I didn’t think of it at the time.

I propped the mug, it tumbled, and broke. I got the message not to do that again.

The next day, again, still feeling my cup would be too far out of reach on the table, I propped the coffee mug oddly on my lap. Then, I reached for something. Two seconds later, it oozed, burning hot down my legs. My nice pajamas were soiled. Not only that, but the stain of the coffee went all over my morning notes about fear of the Lord, specifically about how -- those who love me exhibit a changed nature that is obedient

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15 NASB)

Truth is, I often I say I will do something for God, and then I don’t. I promise to break a habit, then I don’t follow through. I give God my yes and then, after time, I slowly decide God’s probably ok, and it doesn’t matter much, if I don’t do it. I say I’m going to go all out for Him, then I get lazy. What I wondered on those notes was -- how do I change and follow through?

Yet, now my all-important scribbles had coffee all over them. Ick. My pretty white journal was doused coffee-brown.

Then, this morning, I woke up again and headed out to my back porch. I picked my all-time favorite coffee mug. I bought it on my birthday, six years ago; it’s my first pick of all the other mugs in the cabinet. I sat down.

Getting comfortable on the couch, I yet again thought -- it can’t hurt to keep my coffee close. We all know how important coffee is in the morning. I set up a journal next to me on the couch and placed the mug on top of it. I didn’t think twice; this thing must be kept easily reachable. I carried on. I journaled, asking God, “Father, what is the source of all my hard times? Is it a testing? Is it normal trial and tribulation? Is it an attack? Or, is it rebellion?”

No sooner did I write that, did I hear a, “BOOM!

The cup I knew I shouldn’t put on the couch slammed to the ground and the handle broke right off it. My favorite birthday cup was broken!

Oh no!!!!! What did I do?

Immediately, a message came through loud-and-clear. The first time this happened, God made me take notice. The second time, I wondered, why this happening again? And now this? God was implying to my heart -- Kelly, pay close attention…

The hard-hitting message was: You can't keep doing what is wrong and expect things to go right.

In my case, I kept doing what was wrong even though I knew what was right (see Ja. 4:17). Worst of all -- this sort of wrong wasn’t limited only to coffee mug decisions. I had compromised in areas across my life.

I’m sorry, God.

My compromise was called to attention by the mere fact it took me 3 times to come to attention and to change course.

To not heed God’s way, certainly causes us to pay a price. Throwing away the pieces of my birthday mug this morning, reminded me of that.

God doesn’t adjust to us; we adjust to Him. God’s will is God’s will. As mu