The Grace to Make Changes- Bishop T.D. Jakes
Discovering the Grace to Make Life Changes—A Faith-Filled Journey Inspired by Genesis 6
Life is full of challenges and transitions. As we navigate our personal journeys, many of us reach pivotal moments when change becomes necessary but feels impossible. For Christians, these moments are not merely crossroads—they are invitations to experience God’s extraordinary grace. Inspired by Genesis 6 and the account of Noah, let’s explore what it truly means to find the grace to make meaningful changes, even amidst the storms and uncertainties of life.
Understanding the Context of Genesis 6
The opening chapters of Genesis set the stage for the entire narrative of humanity’s relationship with God. Genesis 6, in particular, introduces a period of intense moral decline, painting a picture of widespread wickedness on earth. The scripture tells us that mankind had multiplied, and with that growth came increased corruption and depravity, so much so that “every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”
In this dark era, God’s grief over humanity’s downfall is vividly expressed. He considered wiping out all of creation, but in the midst of chaos, one man stands out—Noah. The Bible declares, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Here, we find the central truth: even when everything around you suggests destruction is inevitable, God’s grace can single you out for a special purpose.
The Need for Context in scripture
We must remember that reading any passage requires context. Pulling verses out of context leads to distortion, misunderstanding, and even the misuse of God’s Word. In today’s climate, where social media bites and sound clips are often shared without the original context, it’s crucial to study scripture as a whole. Without context, as seen in modern debates, even God’s truth can be weaponized or misapplied.
Genesis 6 is not just a lesson in biblical history. It is a mirror, reflecting patterns that exist in every age—patterns of self-rule, moral decay, and the world’s tendency to dismiss God’s sovereignty for personal autonomy. The flood wasn’t merely a divine punishment; it was a reset, a painful but necessary change rooted in God’s profound desire to restore humanity to His original intent.
Setting the Stage: The Dispensations of God
To fully appreciate Noah’s story, it’s helpful to view it through the lens of “dispensations”—different periods of God’s dealings with humanity. Briefly, biblical history can be split into seasons such as Innocence (Adam in Eden), Conscience (from the fall to the flood), Human Government (post-flood to Abraham), the Promise (Abraham to Moses), the Law (Moses to Christ), Grace (from Christ to His return), and the Millennial Reign of Christ.
Noah’s account sits at the close of the dispensation of conscience, a time when humanity was guided solely by their internal sense of right and wrong, without external law or regulation. As history shows, left to their own devices, without Divine direction, people spiral into chaos. Genesis 6 reveals the tragic result: widespread evil and the brink of annihilation. Yet, Noah’s discovery of grace marks a transition—not just for himself, but for all humanity.
The Challenge of Change: Standing Against the Current
Many of us struggle with the need to fit in, to blend with the crowd. Society pressures us to conform, and sometimes, culture’s pull is so strong that resisting it feels impossible. Noah’s triumph was not his popularity, but his willingness to stand out. If he had blended in with those around him, he would have perished with them. Instead, he listened for the direction of God and dared to be different.
This is a critical lesson: following Christ means standing boldly in your God-given uniqueness, refusing to lose yourself in a society adrift from its purpose. God did not create you to simply imitate others or become lost in the mass of humanity. Your voice, your fingerprint, your very soul carries a uniqueness that no one else on earth possesses. Choosing to embrace this identity, rooted in Christ, opens the door for grace to work transformational change in your life.
The Foundations of Real Change: Faith, Fear, and Grace
Change is rarely easy or comfortable. It often evokes fear, uncertainty, and even resistance. We sometimes think faith and fear are always at odds, but the truth is both can exist in our experience. Having faith doesn’t eliminate fear; rather, it empowers you to move forward despite it.
Let’s challenge the notion that fitting in is a virtue. Biblical faith urges us to step away from the “vortex” of the world’s downward spiral, just as Noah did. Following the will of God may exact a price—loneliness, misunderstanding, opposition—but it is infinitely greater than the perils of being swept away by cultural decay. If you’re waiting for everything to calm down before stepping into God’s calling, you may wait forever. Now is the time to move, trusting divine grace.
From Noah’s Example to Modern Life
Noah’s era was marked by lawlessness, lack of restraint, and a total disregard for God’s order. Sound familiar? We live in times where boundaries blur, morality wanes, and self-will is often celebrated over submission to God. From political unrest to societal instability and family breakdown, echoes of Genesis 6 resound in our headlines and neighborhoods.
Yet, the message is clear: in every generation, God empowers those willing to seek Him with the grace to rise above their surroundings. Just as Noah discovered grace that hadn’t been made available in his era, God may grant you favor and strength uniquely suited to your circumstances. This grace isn’t passive; it’s something you must intentionally seek and embrace. Grace stabilizes you, strengthens you, and enables you to do what would otherwise be impossible.
