Are we willing to be changed? Are we willing to stop relying on our own strength, on our own plans and even our own sight for the sake of trusting Jesus? In Exodus 13-14, we read about the Israelites leaving Egypt. In Exodus 13:17 we read “Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, ‘Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.’” Often, in life, we want to take the quickest path with the least resistance. But Jesus did not come to keep us from trouble. Salvation takes us out of condemnation, it does not keep us from it. Jesus’ birth did not bring peace, it offered peace. Peace begins with conflict and is established with endurance. Often, Christ will have to take us the long way and create tension to reveal to us the condition of our hearts so that we can change. We all must change. Are we willing to allow Christ alone to be our guide? Today, I pray that we would be reminded that Christ only reveals what He desires to heal, and that transformation must take place. Everything must change.