Jehoiada's reforms in 2 Chronicles 23:16-17 demonstrate the intentional nature of change. When change is necessary, you cannot wait for it to happen; you must initiate it yourself. It was true for Jehoiada in his relationship with his subjects; it's true for us in our relationship with God and with each other.
As the two of you understand your failures and move to correct them, you can experience outstanding personal growth. Some of the things you've disliked about yourselves through the years can be changed. You're not slaves to old patterns of behavior. You'll be greatly encouraged to see yourselves becoming the loving, thoughtful people you want to be.
To make that change happen, you need to return to God in a fresh way. If you haven't done so, you may want to invite Christ into your life. Jesus died to pay the penalty for your past sins. God wants to forgive. He won't hold the past against you if you'll accept Christ as your Savior. The Spirit of God will come to live with you and give you the power to make needed changes in your life. With His help, you can accomplish things you never dreamed possible. Your whole life can be turned around, and in turn, you can help others.
Take time to pray and...
Thank God for His patience in allowing you to change the things that need changing;
Ask Him to reveal areas that need changing that you are not aware of;
Ask Him to help you and your spouse bring about positive change in each other.
Reflect on these questions:
Why do some people become slaves to past behaviors?
When you think about areas of your life that need change, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Why?
What do you need from your loved one as you work on changing that area?
Consider these passages for further study on Transformation:
2 Chronicles 6:38-39 And if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; 39 then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you.
Romans 12:2 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.
2 Corinthians 5:17 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.
2 Chronicles 23:16-17 Jehoiada then made a covenant that he, the people, and the king[a] would be the Lord’s people. 17 All the people went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars.
Great thoughts of Gary Chapman. Notice the power of forgiveness. The patience towards you and waiting for you to repent. God wants more people to repent. Pray for transformation in a positive direction.
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