“Lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.” 
Isa 54:2 NKJV The desire to change is the key to growth in any area of life. Most of us desire improvement, yet at the same time we resist change. But you can’t have one without the other! Change is possible only if you want it badly enough. As Fred Smith, the founder of Federal Express, observed: “You are the way you are, because that’s the way you want to be.

“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Php 3:13 NLT There are things inside you that must be dealt with before you can move ahead. Every experience you’ve had from birth until the present moment has helped shape who you are. The things that happen to you, good and bad, are instrumental in determining how you’ll act and react for the rest of your life.

“The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Ex 18:18 NIV God has placed people within your reach who are willing to help you. If you don’t accept their help, you will be frustrated and they will be unfulfilled because they’re not using their gifts. God hasn’t called you to do everything, for everybody, in every situation. You can’t be all things to all people all the time!

“The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you.” Mk 4:24 AMP Martin Luther said studying the Bible was like picking apples. First you shake the trunk, then you shake the limb, then you shake the branch, then you shake the twig, then you look under every leaf. There’s no other book in the world like it.

“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.” Ro 6:12 NIV Self-control is one of the great keys to success in life. And since God’s Word has a lot to say about it, if you ask Him He will help you to cultivate it. What you struggled with when you were young will be different from the things you struggle with when you’re older, but you’ll face temptation in one form or another as long as you live.

“He did not retaliate when he was insulted.” 1Pe 2:23 NLT When it comes to constructive criticism, try to learn from it and grow wiser. When it comes to unjustified criticism, remind yourself that Jesus was criticized too, so you’re in good company. And when you’re tempted to give in to resentment and strike back, read these Scriptures: