The Ground State of Change: Why Your Actions Matter: 

We all reach points in our lives where we long for something different. Maybe it’s a nagging habit, a stagnant relationship, or a dream that always feels just out of reach. As Christians, we often turn to prayer, seeking God’s intervention, and rightly so! But what if the ground state for all meaningful change actually begins with a decision we make? In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus gives us a powerful clue to what it takes to see positive change come about. 

[Luk 17:20-21 KJV] 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

The Power of “Doing Differently”

Think of it this way: your life right now, with all its joys and challenges, is a direct result of what you are doing. It’s not simply what you think, what you wish for, or what you pray for, without accompanying action. If you desire a different outcome, you must commit to doing something different in whatever area of your life you are crying out for breakthrough.

The Kingdom of God, as Jesus taught us, isn’t something that comes “with observation” (Luke 17:21). Walking with God in a life of faith is not a spectator sport. It’s a dynamic, active thing that requires, in fact, mandates our engagement. We are called to be doers of the Word, not just hearers (James 1:22). This means that our faith isn’t passive. Sometimes what we call “waiting on God” is just fiddling while Rome burns. Faith is an active principle that propels us into new ways of living, confronting our fears, acting out our hopes and dreams, and militating against doubt, fear, and downturn in our lives. The decision to step out of our old patterns and embrace new, God-honoring actions is the fundamental starting point for all transformation. James said faith without works (that is, corresponding action) is dead, deprived of power, and worthless. You see, your actions (responding to fear or faith) unleash that spirit in your life for good or for evil, depending on what motivates the choices you are making – what God says or what the enemy is threatening in the situation?

No Relief Without Repentance

Years ago, God told me, “Things are the way they are because of what you are doing. If you want something different, you must do something different.” This brings us to a crucial, often uncomfortable, truth: there is no lasting relief without repentance. The Bible tells us that “a curse without cause does not alight” (Proverbs 26:2). This isn’t to say that every hardship is a direct result of personal sin, but it does prompt us to honest self-examination. The tendency we have is to attribute our challenges to things beyond our influence, but Scripture makes plain that a great majority of what we face has been brought about by our own sinful actions, unbelief, or the consequences of spiritual lethargy that opens the door to the enemy’s working against us.

If we consistently face the same challenges, experience the same frustrations, or fall into the same traps, it’s time to prayerfully examine our own hearts and actions. Is there a specific behavior, attitude, or mindset that we need to turn away from? Repentance isn’t just about feeling sorry; it’s about a fundamental change of direction—a turning away from what is not of God and a turning towards Him. It’s in this process of honest self-assessment and a willingness to change that true relief and breakthrough can occur.

Embracing Action-Oriented Outcomes

Ultimately, our faith is designed to produce action-oriented outcomes. We are called to bear fruit (John 15:8). This means that our spiritual growth shouldn’t just be an internal experience; it should manifest in tangible ways in our lives and in the world around us.

Are you praying for more patience? Then actively seek opportunities to practice it, even in frustrating situations. Do you desire deeper relationships? Then initiate conversations, extend grace, and invest your time. Do you long for a breakthrough in a specific area? Then identify the specific actions, however small, that align with that desired outcome and step out in faith.

Your decision to do differently is powerful. It’s the initial spark that ignites the engine of change. Coupled with sincere repentance and a commitment to action, you will begin to see the transformative power of God at work in your life, leading you to the outcomes He desires for you.

A Prayer for Action and Transformation

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which illuminates our path and challenges us to grow. We confess that often, we desire change but hesitate to take the necessary steps. Forgive us for our passivity and for any areas where we have resisted Your call to repentance.

Lord, we ask for a fresh infilling of Your Holy Spirit, that You would empower us to do differently. Give us the courage to examine our hearts honestly and to turn away from anything that does not honor You. Help us to embrace the truth that our actions matter, and that Your Kingdom doesn’t just come with observation, but through our active participation.

Strengthen our resolve to move beyond mere desires and into action-oriented outcomes. May our faith be vibrant and alive, producing fruit that brings glory to Your name. Guide us, Lord, as we seek to live lives that reflect Your transformative power. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.