Today it is my goal to inspire you to make changes, and to live your life with a sense of passion about what is truly important, and what really matters. When it comes to those things that are truly important, a lifestyle change is what will prepare you to win.

Your preparedness and readiness level are dependent on the changes you are willing to make. This is why it can mean a lifestyle change for those who desire the fullest measure of God working in their lives.

When we get a hold of the fact that God has awesome plans for us, it becomes worth it to make those changes. In fact, the Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV

The Father has plans and purpose for us. He has made preparation and has been making ready certain things for our growth and prosperity, as well as to give hope for our future.

A NEW CHANGE!

Let’s face it, for us to experience any kind of change that will be seen in our lives, we must make a firm commitment. We must be so sold out to it, that everything else takes a back seat.

For example, when I decided to be an early riser each morning, so that I could spend time in prayer and in the Word every day before I did anything else, I had to commit to make all kinds of changes to my daily and weekly schedule to make it happen. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, I developed a system to help me do just that.

First, I bought an alarm clock. Then I plugged it in to an outlet that would require me to actually get out of bed and hunt for it. Also, where I plugged in the alarm clock is where I placed my house robe and slippers. After I put on my robe and slippers, I gave myself some wake-up time over a cup of coffee, while listening to some praise and worship music. Just these actions alone helped to bring me out of the sleepy daze. For you, it might require something more drastic – like a cold shower… just kidding!

I made a commitment to make whatever changes needed to be made in my schedule and remained committed to it. But you wouldn’t believe how much wrestling took place with my mind and body for this to take affect. I realized that an entire system would need to be put in place for this change to come about.

However, this one commitment to God set my life on a completely different course and brought change for the good. Now it is my lifestyle.

CHANGE REQUIRES ACTION!

You must take steps towards change. And by taking action, you are taking steps toward the changes you need to see to win in life. Otherwise, everything will stay the same! You can do this by faith. But remember, faith requires action for it to be effective (see James 2:26).

Ephesians 5:15-16 in the Amplified Bible says, “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people. Making the very most of the time, buying up each opportunity, because the days are evil.”

To make the discovery of what changes need to made, ask yourself: “At this particular moment of my life, what is my priority?” I asked myself this questions and now for me, my number one priority is sitting at Jesus feet and hearing His Word, above all else.

Other questions you should ask yourself are: “How am I to live? What is right, proper and noble?” And, “Lord, how do I order and construct my time, my days, and my week to promote my growth and wellness?”

WALK OUT THE NEW UNTIL IT BECOMES A PART OF YOU!

I remember a service when my husband Kenny Gatlin, told a story about a preacher who got His shoes stolen back in the depression days, back in a time when nearly everybody walked to get where they needed to go. And I heard one of the ladies in our congregation exclaim, “Oh no, not the shoes!”

I bring this up because for you to be prepared to win, where your feet take you really matters. And also because if you are ready to make some lifestyle changes to be all that God wants you to be, then you will have to change out of those old shoes that represent the old way of doing things, as well as the old paths you used to walk down.

As for me, I declare this day to never be found wearing the old, ugly, tired and worn out shoes again. I strain and reach forth with all my might to take hold of the new! My gait is changed forever. I walk right! I walk with purpose!

Be so focused on the new until the old is so far removed, it is no longer accessible to you. This is how to replace “old ways” with new ones.

Romans 12:2 in the Amplified Bible says, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” 

Do not be conformed to this world, to the old. You have to purposely do what it takes to be transformed to the new and be changed by the entire renewal of your mind. It is with your renewed mind and its new ideals and its new attitude, that you may prove (walk out) for yourselves what is the good and acceptable and perfect in His sight for you.

A lifestyle of wise choices will create positive changes in your life that prepare you to win. Even though this will require managing your life differently, as well as some discipline and training, the victories you will begin to experience will make it all worth the effort.

 

—Brenda Gatlin