Bug Fixes

I have a love-hate relationship with technology. As long as it does what I want it to, we are fine.

Unfortunately, when it asks me to do something, I get flustered. Software updates throw me for a loop every. single. time.

Just when I get comfortable with the latest best iteration, the manufacturer wants to fix things.

The process is often lengthy and requires me to stop using my device for an unspecified amount of time. I always worry that my precious data, contacts and photos will be erased as I anxiously await the re-boot. Then, I tax my brain trying to re-learn all the features and procedures.

Change is hard.

But modifying something instead of simply starting over means that the original version still has value. No software developer wants to admit their code isn’t up to standard, let alone concede that their entire project needs to be scrapped. It’s marginally easier to advertise they have made improvements for our benefit. Sometimes hackers create new bugs from which our electronics require additional protections. Every once in a while new processes become possible and no salesman wants to be without the latest innovation.

Change is necessary.

As long as code writers can keep updating and improving the initial program, it will remain relevant. If a program cannot keep pace with ever-increasing demands from customers, it becomes obsolete.

Change is ongoing.

I’ve been through plenty of versions of myself. Some updates were major overhauls, like marriage, motherhood and leaving the Army. Others were simple, minor fixes like shifting from bible study participant to leader. Every time I feel myself on the brink of change, I wonder what will remain recognizable. I question how I will ever become familiar with all the features of the new and improved me.

Today I am struggling with my reaction to having my buttons pushed by my seven year old.

I don’t like what comes out when he puts me through beta testing. It reveals my angry heart. I’ve tried every trick in the book - taking a pause with patience, shutting down the program and then re-opening, and even the catch-all: control-alt-delete. Some tactics have proven moderately successful, but each time I reach a certain point, I end up with system failure.

I need this bug in my software fixed and I know I can’t do it on my own. I must submit that which is out of my control to the master programmer.

It takes faith to make changes.

When God leads us toward some modification in our lives, let us not harden our hearts to it. Instead, let’s trust Him to rewrite our story according to His guidelines. The changes He longs to make in us may be for our protection or our preparation as a new chapter unfolds. If He is willing to pour into us, you can rest assured that it is because He has big plans for our future. He always wants to make us more like Jesus.

That process won’t be complete until the day we meet Him face to face.

So, instead of groaning through the process of transformation, understand the intent is to take us one step closer to that day when we will be perfected.

“But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

If something has been bugging you, I urge you to take a look at the owners manual and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you through your next bug fix.

God is faithful to continually update us because He loves us too much to allow us to keep operating with our glitches.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for investing in the process of fixing me. I know I can’t do it myself. Continuously change me, fix me, revise me and make me over in the image of Your precious Son, Jesus. Amen.

Linking up today with women wondering if God is asking them to fix something on Suzie Eller’s #livefreeThursday.