Facing the invisible dragons of change
When my niece was little, she would come over to my home and spend some quality time with her goofy aunt (yep, that’s me!). One of her favorite things to do was to chase the invisible dragon that lived in my backyard. She assured me the dragon was so big it could barely fit in my backyard.
Yet, she (the dragon was female) could hide in places as small as under a bush. My niece believed the dragon would kidnap anything that was good in her eyes at the time. Puppies, kittens, you get the idea. It was then our job to run around the yard to rescue them without getting caught by the dragon.
Fast forward a few years. I find myself at an amazing ministry in the middle of significant change. There were times I felt as if I had been transported back to that place of chasing invisible dragons. However, this time the dragons were those implementing much needed and resisted change. While the dragons were not real, they often felt real. They posed a threat to my comfort zone.
Those things or people who pose a perceived threat to what is comfortable can seem like giant dragons in our lives, threatening all that we treasure. The reality is, change is necessary for life, health and growth. While most of us would agree with that logically, the reality can be very different. I know change is healthy, but I’ve used the same coffee cup for more than 10 years. Hmm.
We all have things or people we hold onto. We often find comfort or even security in them. I have a few of those things or people in my life. I bet you do, too. However, those very things that we hold onto may be what is holding us back. Please don’t get me wrong; often, those things are not bad. They are just not God’s best for our lives at that time. They may not be God’s best for our spiritual growth.
Currently, I am in a position where my comfort zones are being packed with explosives and, well, you get the idea. As I walk through the things that are being challenged, I know the leaders in authority are right. Ugh, I really hate saying that.
With the Lord’s help and lots of time in His Word, I see the areas where I need to grow. It’s good and it’s healthy and at the same time, I hate it. Change does not come easily. It can feel like a dragon that is snatching the things you treasure. However, the result is so worth it!
Are you facing change? Have you labeled something or someone a “dragon” that God may have brought for your good, your growth or His glory?
Photo source: istock
More on Spiritual Growth and Soul Care
- 5 ways to ignite engagement (by Mark MacDonald)
- Why Paul didn’t exercise his “right” to be a “full-time missionary” (by Jordan Raynor)
- AI and leadership: the essential skills AI can’t replace (by Christian Muntean)
- Words of advice to a young minister (by Richard Blackaby)
