I made this statement at a choir rehearsal recently: “Don’t change before the change, or else you’ll change it”. We were talking musically about a song that we accidentally modulated (changed keys) too early in, and it caused the song to be changed (but not in a good way). We corrected the error, and moved on. Although we were speaking musically, I believe the above statement also holds spiritual relevance that we can learn a practical lesson from.

In Genesis 16, Sarai ‘changed before the change’ by allowing Hagar to conceive from Abram.  The disciples wanted to conquer the world, but Jesus wanted them to take the Gospel to the world, telling them to “…tarry [wait] in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49 NKJV, emphasis added).

I am finding, as I continue to live my life as a believer, that things don’t always go as planned, or rather as we plan them. Additionally, some things in life and about life are strictly out of our control (you didn’t choose your birth parents, your race, your country of origin, didn’t choose the actions of others, the thoughts of others, the intentions of others, the list can go on…). Nevertheless, we humans often try to ‘right the wrongs’ according to our own perceptions of the way things should be. This could be dangerous because clairvoyance is not a quality we’ve all attained the mastery of (well, at least I haven’t). If we’re not careful, we could ‘mess some things up’ by trying to ‘fix it’.

Many of us have received prophecies spoken into our lives and have sadly only focused on the special words of affirmation and confirmation, leaving behind anything relating to the forewarning aspect of what Biblical prophecy entails. With any word we receive from God, it is of vital importance that we evaluate not only what was said, but what was not said. Not only what we heard, but what we didn’t hear. And most importantly, make sure any prophecy (prophetic utterance from another person) given lines up with the Word of God. Here’s a tidbit about studying your Bible. Ask these four questions:

1. What does it say?
2. What does it mean?
3. How does it apply? And,
4. How do I apply it? (Meaning, how do I put it to action in my life?)

As it relates to today’s topic, I believe we should each observe a crucial warning: when we try to bring to pass the change God spoke before it is time for the change to take place, or even in a way inconsistent with what God originally intended, we run the risk of changing the intended outcome, and prolonging the arrival of our intended blessing.

Today, I encourage you to study deeper into the Word of God, the Bible, for the things you desire to happen in your life as a believer. Fight the good fight of faith, and remember the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy…

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, (1 Timothy 1:18 NKJV)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV)

God Bless You!

Author, speaker, musician DEREK E. EURALES, Jr., loves to share his faith, motivation, and music. His book, Principles of Christian Living, has become a “must read” for believers of all ages. To order your copy, click here.