The decision toward change can often bring no change. You've decided that a change was necessary, but you still feel stuck...

Hold on to the concept of change! Don't let it go! Stay committed to change!

Sometimes this period can bring the most resistance. Satan and the flesh aren't having any part of a return to God and can/will amplify its attacks and desires to keep you lulled in sin. When this happens, you can be blinded into believing that change isn't possible and it is better for you to stay where you are. THAT'S NOT TRUE!! It is far, far worse for you to stay in a condition of sin before the Father (Galatians 6:7-9). You must be determined to change!

A determined life is one that is willing to fight!

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (KJV) - Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

If we were running in a race, most people don't train to be last or left behind. They have a rigorous schedule and system that will allow them to maximize their potential and athletic abilities. They want to obtain the prize. Likewise, we should live our lives in the same fashion.

As we 'run' in the race of life, we should train and live to obtain the prize. If we're going to do that, then we must be disciplined in every area of our lives. There will be some areas that will be easier than others, but as the Apostle Paul describes above, we too should keep our body under subjection.

How do I do that?

If you want to change the course of your life, it begins in the mind...and follows through with action.

Many times we defeat ourselves even before the trial or test begins. Many people can spend an entire day allowing their minds to wander in areas that should be off-limits. Then when the 'trial' comes, they're surprised when they act out what they've been thinking.

If you want to change your living, change your thinking.

The mind is one of the major areas of attack (temptation). You can also be 'attacked' through one of your senses (i.e. smell, sight, touch, hearing, taste). When any attack may come, you must be strong mentally to fend off any suggestions to indulge in sinful behavior.

Sadly, we as Christians don't speak enough about taming the thoughts in our mind. Many of us are 'geared' to allow the mind to wander free - without restraint or control. For example, have you ever taken a long drive or walk and found yourself thinking about all kinds of things and then you 'come to yourself' and say, 'Where did that come from?' 'How was I thinking about that?

There will be times when you must take an offensive or defensive approach.

1. Offensive

I would tell you to always be on the offense. You can be on the offense by filling your mind with the things of God (i.e. God; His goodness, mercy, and grace; His Word, etc.). You want to build a life that is encompassed with the Father. Now, there may be times when there is a 'challenge' to this - for instance at work, but there are subtle reminders you can place around you; sing praises in your heart; and read scriptures throughout the day. (This doesn't mean you shouldn't do your job with excellence, for that is a part of your Christian witness and testimony...AMEN!)

2. Defensive

We can't control every situation. No matter how much we duck, dodge, or dive (hint, hint), some temptations find their way in front of us. Therefore, when we encounter these situations, we can take the same position as Jesus...by responding with the Word of God:

Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV) - Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

REMEMBER: NEVER LOSE SITE OF YOUR MENTAL STATE...IF IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S DRIFTING, BRING IT BACK!