July 14th, 2025
by Rose Marie Abraham
by Rose Marie Abraham
Something Has to Change: Breaking Free from Repetitive Cycles
Have you ever felt stuck in a loop, repeating the same patterns day after day, longing for change but unsure how to make it happen? Many of us can relate to this feeling of being trapped in our circumstances, much like the character Phil in the movie "Groundhog Day." In this classic film, Phil finds himself reliving the same day over and over again, initially using it for selfish gain but eventually realizing he needs to change himself to break free from the cycle.
This cinematic premise serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. How often do we find ourselves in situations where we know something needs to change, but we've become so accustomed to our routines that we struggle to break free?
The story in Acts 3:1-8 provides a compelling illustration of this concept. We encounter a man who had been lame from birth, over 40 years old, who was carried daily to the temple gate called Beautiful to beg for alms. This had become his routine, his expected way of life. Day in and day out, he was placed in the same spot, asking for handouts from passersby.
But something was about to change.
As Peter and John approached the temple, they encountered this man. Instead of simply passing by or tossing him some coins, they stopped and truly saw him. Peter said, "Look at us," redirecting the man's focus and attention. The lame man fixed his gaze on them, expecting to receive money. But Peter had something far more valuable to offer:
"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
This powerful moment teaches us several crucial lessons about creating meaningful change in our lives:
1. Assess the Situation
Before we can experience transformation, we must honestly assess our current circumstances. Are we, like the lame man, stuck in patterns that no longer serve us? Have we become so accustomed to our limitations that we've stopped believing change is possible?
Peter and John didn't just glance at the man and move on. They truly saw him, assessing his situation with compassion and spiritual insight. We too must take a hard look at our lives, asking ourselves difficult questions:
- Am I where God wants me to be?
- Am I doing what God has called me to do?
- Are there areas of my life where I've settled for less than God's best?
An honest assessment doesn't make excuses. It requires us to look at ourselves through God's eyes, seeking His perspective on our situations.
2. Shift Your Focus
Notice how Peter redirected the man's attention: "Look at us." Sometimes, to experience change, we need to shift our focus. We may be so fixated on our problems or on temporary solutions that we miss the true transformation God wants to bring.
Are you looking to the right sources for change in your life? Are you seeking quick fixes and temporary relief, or are you willing to fix your gaze on Jesus and allow Him to work deep, lasting change?
3. Expect the Unexpected
The lame man looked at Peter and John, expecting to receive money. Instead, he received something far greater – complete healing and restoration. Often, God wants to do more in our lives than we can imagine or expect. We may come to Him with our limited vision of what we think we need, but He sees the bigger picture.
Are you open to God working in unexpected ways in your life? Are you willing to let go of your preconceived notions of how change should happen and trust in His methods?
4. Embrace God's Power
Peter didn't rely on his own abilities to help the man. He relied on the power of Jesus Christ. "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk," he declared. True, lasting change in our lives comes through the power of Christ working in us and through us.
Are you trying to change through your own strength and willpower alone? Or are you tapping into the transformative power of Jesus?
5. Take Action
Peter didn't just speak words of healing; he took action. He "took him by the right hand and lifted him up." Sometimes, we need to combine our faith with action. We need to take steps, however small, in the direction of change.
What practical steps can you take today towards the change you desire in your life?
The result of this encounter was nothing short of miraculous. The man who had been lame for over 40 years suddenly found strength in his feet and ankles. He began walking, leaping, and praising God. His life was forever changed because he encountered the power of Jesus through Peter and John.
This story challenges us to break free from our own repetitive cycles. It invites us to stop settling for less than God's best for our lives. Whether you're dealing with physical limitations, emotional struggles, or spiritual stagnation, the message is clear: something has to change.
But this change starts with us. Like Phil in "Groundhog Day," we need to be willing to look inward and make necessary adjustments in our attitudes, actions, and focus. We need to be open to God working in unexpected ways and be willing to step out in faith.
Most importantly, we need to ensure that Jesus is at the center of our desire for change. The first and most crucial transformation we can experience is accepting Christ as our Savior and Lord. This relationship becomes the foundation for all other positive changes in our lives.
As you reflect on your own life, ask yourself: What areas need assessment? Where have you become complacent or settled for less? How can you shift your focus to align more closely with God's vision for your life?
Remember, with God, it's never too late for a new beginning. No matter how long you've been stuck in a particular situation or mindset, Jesus offers the power to rise up and walk into a new life. Something has to change – and with God's help, it can start today.
Have you ever felt stuck in a loop, repeating the same patterns day after day, longing for change but unsure how to make it happen? Many of us can relate to this feeling of being trapped in our circumstances, much like the character Phil in the movie "Groundhog Day." In this classic film, Phil finds himself reliving the same day over and over again, initially using it for selfish gain but eventually realizing he needs to change himself to break free from the cycle.
This cinematic premise serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. How often do we find ourselves in situations where we know something needs to change, but we've become so accustomed to our routines that we struggle to break free?
The story in Acts 3:1-8 provides a compelling illustration of this concept. We encounter a man who had been lame from birth, over 40 years old, who was carried daily to the temple gate called Beautiful to beg for alms. This had become his routine, his expected way of life. Day in and day out, he was placed in the same spot, asking for handouts from passersby.
But something was about to change.
As Peter and John approached the temple, they encountered this man. Instead of simply passing by or tossing him some coins, they stopped and truly saw him. Peter said, "Look at us," redirecting the man's focus and attention. The lame man fixed his gaze on them, expecting to receive money. But Peter had something far more valuable to offer:
"Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."
This powerful moment teaches us several crucial lessons about creating meaningful change in our lives:
1. Assess the Situation
Before we can experience transformation, we must honestly assess our current circumstances. Are we, like the lame man, stuck in patterns that no longer serve us? Have we become so accustomed to our limitations that we've stopped believing change is possible?
Peter and John didn't just glance at the man and move on. They truly saw him, assessing his situation with compassion and spiritual insight. We too must take a hard look at our lives, asking ourselves difficult questions:
- Am I where God wants me to be?
- Am I doing what God has called me to do?
- Are there areas of my life where I've settled for less than God's best?
An honest assessment doesn't make excuses. It requires us to look at ourselves through God's eyes, seeking His perspective on our situations.
2. Shift Your Focus
Notice how Peter redirected the man's attention: "Look at us." Sometimes, to experience change, we need to shift our focus. We may be so fixated on our problems or on temporary solutions that we miss the true transformation God wants to bring.
Are you looking to the right sources for change in your life? Are you seeking quick fixes and temporary relief, or are you willing to fix your gaze on Jesus and allow Him to work deep, lasting change?
3. Expect the Unexpected
The lame man looked at Peter and John, expecting to receive money. Instead, he received something far greater – complete healing and restoration. Often, God wants to do more in our lives than we can imagine or expect. We may come to Him with our limited vision of what we think we need, but He sees the bigger picture.
Are you open to God working in unexpected ways in your life? Are you willing to let go of your preconceived notions of how change should happen and trust in His methods?
4. Embrace God's Power
Peter didn't rely on his own abilities to help the man. He relied on the power of Jesus Christ. "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk," he declared. True, lasting change in our lives comes through the power of Christ working in us and through us.
Are you trying to change through your own strength and willpower alone? Or are you tapping into the transformative power of Jesus?
5. Take Action
Peter didn't just speak words of healing; he took action. He "took him by the right hand and lifted him up." Sometimes, we need to combine our faith with action. We need to take steps, however small, in the direction of change.
What practical steps can you take today towards the change you desire in your life?
The result of this encounter was nothing short of miraculous. The man who had been lame for over 40 years suddenly found strength in his feet and ankles. He began walking, leaping, and praising God. His life was forever changed because he encountered the power of Jesus through Peter and John.
This story challenges us to break free from our own repetitive cycles. It invites us to stop settling for less than God's best for our lives. Whether you're dealing with physical limitations, emotional struggles, or spiritual stagnation, the message is clear: something has to change.
But this change starts with us. Like Phil in "Groundhog Day," we need to be willing to look inward and make necessary adjustments in our attitudes, actions, and focus. We need to be open to God working in unexpected ways and be willing to step out in faith.
Most importantly, we need to ensure that Jesus is at the center of our desire for change. The first and most crucial transformation we can experience is accepting Christ as our Savior and Lord. This relationship becomes the foundation for all other positive changes in our lives.
As you reflect on your own life, ask yourself: What areas need assessment? Where have you become complacent or settled for less? How can you shift your focus to align more closely with God's vision for your life?
Remember, with God, it's never too late for a new beginning. No matter how long you've been stuck in a particular situation or mindset, Jesus offers the power to rise up and walk into a new life. Something has to change – and with God's help, it can start today.
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