Embracing Change

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 NKJV

1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace. 9 What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. 12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, And nothing taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. 15 That which is has already been, And what is to be has already been; And God requires an account of what is past.

Seasons change, time changes, things change, culture changes, methods change.

God doesn’t change

We must be open to change

Complaining about it, and resisting it won’t change it

The only thing that doesn’t change is that things are going to change.

We need to learn to change

Adaptability and Change

Opens us to greater possibilities

Learning valuable lessons

Adjustments that must occur in our lives, even when we have a game plan

Openness to change

Emmet Smith's story about learning a lesson, “Avoid contacts at all costs,” after getting hit by Billy Spriggs

Change is initiated by:

Pain

Vision

Discipline

Blessing and Increase

John Maxwell says

1. When They Hurt Enough, They Have To

Pain is a universal motivator. When life’s challenges - whether emotional, professional, or personal - become too heavy, people are compelled to act. This discomfort pushes them to break free from old habits and embrace new paths, we need to see this as the moment to take ownership of your journey and make bold changes.

Example: A career setback might prompt someone to seek new skills or a fresh perspective, driving them to pursue leadership development.

2. When They See Enough, They’re Inspired To

Inspiration fuels transformation. Witnessing someone else’s success, a compelling vision, or a glimpse of what’s possible can spark the desire to change.

Example: Watching a mentor lead with confidence might inspire you to adopt new habits to elevate your own leadership.

3. When They Learn Enough, They Want To

Knowledge is a game-changer. When people gain new insights - through books, mentors, or experiences - they develop a hunger to apply what they’ve learned. Lifelong learning is a cornerstone of personal, spiritual, and professional growth, empowering you to act on newfound wisdom.

Example: After reading a leadership book or attending a workshop, you might feel driven to implement new strategies in your work or personal life.

4. When They Receive Enough, They’re Able To

Change often requires the right resources - support, opportunities, or tools. When people receive what they need, they’re empowered to take action.  We need to be committed to being a positive resource, providing the guidance and inspiration you need to turn your vision into reality.

Example: A supportive mentor or access to a leadership program might give someone the confidence and tools to launch a new initiative.

Why These Reasons Matter

Maxwell’s four reasons - hurting enough, seeing enough, learning enough, and receiving enough - offer a roadmap for transformation. By recognizing which “season” you’re in, you can take intentional steps toward growth.  Whether you’re navigating pain or seeking inspiration, God has provided the tools for our  journey.

How to Apply Maxwell’s Insights

1. Reflect on Pain Points: Identify where discomfort is signaling a need for change. Use that energy to fuel your next steps.

2. Seek Inspiration: Surround yourself with stories of success and environments that show what’s possible.

3. Commit to Learning: Invest in your growth through books, workshops, or our resources to spark your desire to change.

4. Leverage Support: Connect with mentors, communities, or tools. Faith and action to receive God's increase and best for your life.

All  these things will effect change -  good or bad

Give up or get better

Get bitter or get better

This is a growth process growth requires change

Keys

Always learning

When we stop learning we stop growing

Love one another

Team work - we are not in this alone…

Why are we playing the game?

Learn new things in a new territory

New levels mean we have to think a new way

Learn new ways to do new things

Holy Spirit guidance and  creativity

Learn from someone who knows more than you.

Pride keeps us from learning from others, humility keeps us quiet and learning.

The Hard Part

The areas we must address, and this is on us

Routine  and Habits (Daily Choices)

Technic or the way we do things (Fundamentals)

Work that becomes fun or discipline

Freedom and Fruit

Winning and success can be hard at times

Playing thru injury or with injury and working hard to accomplish something…

Doing the things you don’t want to, to do what you want to

Doing things others are not willing to

So we can be a blessing

By providing opportunities for those seeking it

God blesses us so we can be a blessing if we don’t bless others we are robbing from God