Patterns

     Nature is amazing. If you take the time to look, there are patterns in nature at every corner. Some of these patterns are completely unique, others are found in different spots all over the world. Not only are they seen in plants and animals, but in weather and seasons. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter is a patter or a cycle that is predictable and repeating, but also serves a purpose. Without each of these seasons, plants would not be able to survive, They either would not get the needed water, would not produce seed, not get needed sun, or a number of other things. Patterns are undoubtedly a good thing in nature and completely driven by God's devine creation, but can patterns be a bad thing. Not necessarily just in nature, but in our lives? I think its obvious the answer is yes.
   I think more than anyone I know, I tend to fall into patterns and motivate my self to get out of them with no hope in the end. With me its anything from controlling my money, to not being late to work, not doing homework, and even not reading my bible consistently. Patterns not only exist with something that is there, but can alos exist with something that isn't there. You can be in the pattern of no pattern which in it's self is a pattern, not to confuse you haha.
  Do you catch yourself in a pattern you cannot escape? If you are my age, relationships would be a great example. Do they constantly not work out for you? Are there bad endings every time? Maybe that is a sign of a pattern you need to break. In prison systems there is a problem with the number of people that leave prison and end up coming back. There is actually a diagnostic name for this (Recidivism).  Do you find yourself struggling with money like me? Yet, you still find ways to spend it all every time you get more in your bank account. If your like me, you also get in the pattern of just holding your tongue when it comes to things that should be spoken about. The Bible says that Adam set a pattern for us when he took that fruit and ate it. (Romans 5:14) We were out of luck from that moment on. Satan uses patterns against us. He gets us comfortable in our routine and keeps us there.
  These patterns can be discouraging, but require action on your part. If you have a pattern re-occurring in your life that does not glorify God, I would encourage you to find a way out. 2 Timothy 1:13 says to "keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with Faith and Love and Jesus Christ." In order to get out of your pattern.  Find a mentor or someone who can be praying for you to get out of the rut.
   There is an awesome ending to this idea of patterns.

            Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.(Romans 12:2)

    Jesus calls us to avoid these patterns. To stay away from what the world considers normal. And that doing this, God's will can become more recognizable in your life.  Jesus wants us to escape the patterns, will you?