Singer and songwriter, Sam Cook, inspired many people with his powerful civil rights anthem, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” in 1964. He had been denied a hotel room in Shreveport, Louisiana because of his ethnicity, which deeply troubled him. His success and fame as a singer did not open some doors in the hearts of others.
To many, his song(s) spoke of the hope and positive change despite oppression and hardship. His lyrics conveyed a message of perseverance and belief in a better future for those who were ignored and rejected. It was a powerful song, and even today, when I hear that song, it brings me to tears because he had an early death.
In 2024, tensions among nations, governments, people groups, and individual rights still appear to infringe upon another person’s rights. With all our technological advancements and learning, the world is still complex, and there seems to be no return to the old ways of integrity and standards on the horizon. Those old ways and standards make some people feel comfortable and secure, while others feel devalued and unimportant.
Believing that one person, or group of people can change the direction of society is almost unthinkable but not impossible. Given the power of technology and its impact on our world, the biggest challenge would be to get people on the same page. When the rubber hits the road, people are more concerned about individuality rather than becoming unified in purpose.
If you are aware of the human spirit, it can never be satisfied. Some people think they would be happy with no change while others want change for the sake of change, like rearranging furniture in a room. We need change to maintain our planet’s survival and stop bad behavior. It is more costly in the long run to do nothing. It would be wise, as leaders, to determine the greatest needs and work together with God’s help.
Change is coming! Either pray and seek God’s wisdom or continue complaining about the world’s condition and do nothing. Let’s become agents of change by being like the people of prayer who have been instrumental in bringing down kings and kingdoms.
Proverbs 21:1-3 ESV 1 The King’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. 3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable than sacrifice.
Please celebrate with us and experience the Good Life at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium every Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged over the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place for needs to be met, faith to be affirmed, and new friends to embrace. You can view our worship services on YouTube at https://villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club
