Embracing Change: Letting Go for New Life
Summary
Change is a constant in our lives, and God is always at work shaping and reshaping us, much like a potter with clay. When we remain soft and malleable, God can continue to form us into something new, even when we feel off-center or uncertain. As we experience change—whether it’s joyful, painful, or simply uncomfortable—we are invited to recognize and honor our emotions, but also to move beyond them. The journey of transformation often requires us to let go of what is familiar, to release our fears and doubts, and to trust that something new and beautiful can emerge.
Drawing inspiration from the story of Elsa in Frozen, we see how holding onto fear and hiding our true selves can cause harm, not only to ourselves but to those around us. It is only when Elsa lets go—embracing who she is and stepping into the unknown—that she finds freedom and healing. Similarly, Jesus teaches that unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it cannot bear fruit. Letting go is not about loss for its own sake, but about making space for new life, new opportunities, and deeper love.
This call to let go is both personal and communal. In our families, our work, our health, and our church, we face transitions that challenge us to release old patterns and embrace new possibilities. Even as our world changes rapidly, we are called to respond not with fear or suspicion, but with the radical, inclusive love that Jesus models. This love extends beyond our immediate circles to include all people, especially those who are marginalized or different from us.
Recent events in the wider church and world remind us of the importance of letting go of fear and embracing unity, peace, and justice. Whether it’s advocating for the vulnerable, supporting efforts for peace, or affirming diversity and inclusion, we are invited to participate in God’s work of renewal. The process may be uncomfortable, but it is in letting go that we discover the fullness of life Jesus offers—a life marked by hope, grace, and boundless love.
Key Takeaways
- Transformation Requires Letting Go
True spiritual growth often demands that we release what is familiar or comfortable, even when it feels like a small death. Like a seed that must fall to the ground and die to bear fruit, we are called to trust that God can bring new life from our willingness to let go. This surrender is not about losing ourselves, but about becoming more fully who God intends us to be. [04:30]
- Embracing Discomfort Leads to Discovery
Periods of change are often marked by discomfort, uncertainty, and even grief. Rather than rushing past these feelings, we are invited to sit with them, allowing God to work in the midst of our vulnerability. It is in this space of discomfort that we are most open to discovering new possibilities and deeper joy. [09:52]
- Radical Love Extends Beyond Familiar Boundaries
Jesus calls us to a love that is reckless and inclusive, reaching beyond family, friends, and those who are like us. This kind of love challenges us to see all people as part of God’s family, deserving of dignity, compassion, and justice. Practicing such love may feel risky, but it is the heart of Christian discipleship. [10:55]
- Letting Go is a Choice We Face Repeatedly
Throughout life, we encounter moments where we must decide whether to cling to the past or step into the unknown. Jesus never condemns those who hesitate, but always offers another invitation to follow. Each day brings a new opportunity to choose trust over fear and to participate in God’s ongoing work of renewal. [11:48]
- Faithful Change Involves Advocacy and Solidarity
Letting go of fear and suspicion means standing with those who are marginalized or suffering, even when their experiences are different from our own. We are called to advocate for peace, justice, and inclusion, recognizing our interconnectedness with people around the world. Our faith compels us to act for the flourishing of all, not just those close to us. [13:55]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Opening Prayer
[01:30] - Scripture Reading: John 12
[02:30] - The Potter and the Clay Revisited
[03:40] - Emotions in the Change Process
[04:30] - Lessons from Frozen: Letting Go
[06:10] - Seeds, Transformation, and New Life
[07:30] - The Butterfly Metamorphosis
[08:20] - Discomfort and Discovery
[09:52] - The Choice to Embrace Change
[10:55] - Radical Love and Expanding Family
[11:48] - Biblical Examples of Letting Go
[12:30] - Change in the Church and the World
[13:55] - Council of Bishops: Letters for Justice
[16:16] - Stepping Forward in Love and Hope
[17:30] - Closing Invitation and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Letting Go and Embracing Change
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### Bible Reading
John 12:23-26 (The Message)
> Jesus answered, “Time’s up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal. If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Holy One, Parent of us all, will honor and reward anyone who serves me.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In the passage from John 12, what does Jesus say must happen to a grain of wheat before it can bear fruit?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the emotions people experience during times of change? [03:40]
3. What example from the movie Frozen did the pastor use to illustrate the idea of letting go? [06:10]
4. What are some of the real-life changes mentioned in the sermon that people in the church might be facing right now? [12:30]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus compare letting go of our lives to a seed being buried in the ground? What does this say about the process of transformation? [02:30]
2. The sermon talks about sitting with discomfort instead of rushing past it. Why might it be important to acknowledge and process our emotions during change? [03:40]
3. How does the story of Elsa in Frozen help us understand the dangers of holding onto fear and hiding our true selves? [06:10]
4. The pastor mentioned that Jesus never condemns those who hesitate to embrace change. What does this reveal about God’s character and patience with us? [11:48]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent change in your life—big or small. What was hardest for you to let go of, and how did you respond? Did you notice any emotions like fear, grief, or uncertainty? [03:40]
2. Is there something in your life right now that you sense God might be inviting you to release or let go of? What would it look like to trust God with that? [04:30]
3. The sermon talked about embracing discomfort as part of the journey to discovery. Can you share a time when sitting with discomfort led to something new or good in your life? [09:52]
4. Jesus calls us to a “reckless” and inclusive love that goes beyond our usual circles. Who in your life or community might need to experience this kind of love from you? What is one practical way you could show it this week? [10:55]
5. The pastor mentioned recent events in the wider church and world, like advocating for peace and supporting those who are marginalized. Is there a cause or group of people you feel drawn to support? What is one step you could take to stand in solidarity or advocate for justice? [13:55]
6. When you face a choice between clinging to the past or stepping into the unknown, what helps you choose trust over fear? Are there spiritual practices or people who encourage you in this? [11:48]
7. The sermon described letting go as something we have to do over and over again. What is one area where you want to practice letting go this week, and how can the group pray for you in that? [11:48]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to let go, openness to God’s shaping, and hearts ready to love beyond boundaries.
Devotional
Day 1: Letting Go to Become Something New
Just as a seed must be buried and die to become something new, we are called to let go of what we have been so that God can reshape us into something greater. This process can feel uncomfortable and even frightening, but it is through surrendering our old ways, fears, and attachments that we open ourselves to the transformation Jesus offers. When we release our grip on the familiar, we make space for new growth, new opportunities, and a deeper experience of God’s love and purpose in our lives. [04:10]
John 12:23-26 (The Message)
Jesus answered, “Time’s up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal. If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.”
Reflection: What is one thing in your life you sense God is asking you to let go of so that you can step into something new with Him today?
Day 2: Remaining Malleable in God’s Hands
When we allow ourselves to remain soft and adaptable, like clay in the potter’s hands, God can continue to shape and reshape us, making us resilient and ready for new purposes. Being malleable means trusting God’s process, even when it feels uncertain or when we feel “off-center.” It is in our willingness to be changed that God can form us into vessels of grace, hope, and love for the world. [06:00]
Isaiah 64:8 (ESV)
But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to become more open and adaptable, allowing God to reshape you for His purposes?
Day 3: Embracing Discomfort as a Pathway to Discovery
Periods of change often bring discomfort, loss, and doubt, but these are necessary steps on the journey toward discovery and new life. Rather than resisting or retreating from discomfort, we are invited to sit with it, trusting that God is at work even in the messiness. By embracing the unknown, we open ourselves to the joy, growth, and new relationships that God has prepared for us on the other side of change. [09:52]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What discomfort or uncertainty are you currently facing, and how might God be inviting you to trust Him through it rather than turning back?
Day 4: Practicing Reckless, Inclusive Love
Jesus calls us to a radical, reckless love that extends beyond our families and communities to include all people, especially those who are different from us or marginalized. This love is not limited by blood, geography, or understanding; it is a love that seeks peace, justice, and affirmation for all. We are challenged to let go of fear and suspicion, stepping forward to love others as Jesus loves us, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. [13:55]
1 John 4:18-21 (ESV)
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Reflection: Who is someone outside your usual circle that you can show the reckless love of Jesus to this week, even if it feels uncomfortable?
Day 5: Choosing to Step Forward in Faith
Every change presents a moment of choice: will we hold back in fear, or will we step forward into the new life Jesus offers? God’s invitation is always open, and even when we hesitate or turn back, there is grace for another opportunity. By choosing to step forward, we participate in God’s ongoing work of renewal, discovering new hope, new relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose in Christ. [16:16]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Reflection: What is one step of faith you can take today to move forward into the new thing God is doing in your life?
Quotes
No matter what our understanding is, we don't have to get it. We don't have to know what people are going through to show them the love of Jesus. It is our job to be able to write to our elected leaders and show the love we have for people and encourage laws and policies that affirm and support people instead of dividing and separating us. [00:16:05] (27 seconds)
We will have many opinions on the best ways to resolve these situations, but what the Council of Bishops is asking for us to do and what Jesus is asking us to do is to step forward, to let go of fear and suspicion and to step forward in love, to step forward, to find a way towards peace, where all of us can live together in safety and security, that all of us can be loved and affirmed. [00:16:32] (29 seconds)
In this time of change, whatever the changes you are facing in your life, look for the hand of Jesus reaching out to you in invitation and be willing to let it go and step into a period of discovery with Jesus, where hopefully we can all discover a new love, a new hope, a new hope, and a new grace that only Jesus can give us. [00:17:23] (26 seconds)
Do we hold back and go back to what we know or do we break through to something new, something amazing? What Jesus is offering is a new life of offering is a new life of love, a reckless love, a radical love, a love that goes beyond what most people think of. [00:08:57] (19 seconds)
Jesus calls us to let go of what we have had already in our lives to be willing to become something new. If Jesus calls us to that, just as Elsa had to let go of her fear and embrace who she was, Jesus says we are like a seed, a grain of wheat. [00:07:30] (21 seconds)
Seeds have to be planted in the ground and they get moist and they are in darkness and something changes. They become something completely new and different. They will never be the same again. Their shape changes and they are able to grow and reproduce. [00:07:51] (16 seconds)
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