I was talking with a young man the other day about the new year and how it’s a chance for a new start if one is trying to get away from old habits and lifestyles. He spoke to me about how he knew he wasn’t living his life in the manner he should, but he found it hard to change. I told him that he’s over the biggest hurdle by just realizing that he needed to change, the rest would be easier. First of all he would have to distant himself from people that continue to involve him in the wrong things. It’s like the old saying our parents used to tell us, “Show me who you associate with and I can tell you what kind of person you are, or will be.”

I encouraged him to keep working on making the change and surround himself with people who would lift him up and not bring him down. Once he finds some good people willing to help him grow, then if he has a relapse or thoughts about returning to his old lifestyle, he can call one of them and talk with them about the situation. I tried to convince him that is was possible to change if he sincerely desired to do so. The reason I know is because I did, and so did many others.

I asked him to think about helping others in some way, working with charities, needy, aged, whatever he felt comfort- able with, and by doing so he would also be helping himself. Make yourself available by telling God to give you someone you can help today, and be ready, because he will send someone your way. Then I gave him a prayer I carry in one of my Bibles and told him if he really wanted to change to pray this prayer for thirty days and wait for the answer. I’d like to share it this week for those who feel like this young man does, wanting to change and let their life make a difference.

“I am available Lord to be used by you each day. Guide me, precious Lord, and lead me in what I say and do. May my words and actions be a witness that you are living in me. To the one that is lonely, may I be a friend. To those with heavy burdens, help me to meet their needs. Lord, I do not want fame or fortune. My prayer is that you will use me to glorify your name. I know I don’t have much to offer, but I will give you my all. Guide me to be what you want me to be. Amen.

I hope it works out for him, I will keep him on my prayer list. We are only like a vapor, only here for a short time, so we need to try to be a difference in the lives of others, and by being a blessing we will be blessed. Good luck to the young man, he was an answer to my prayer, and hopefully yours.