“What’s the best book you’ve read this year?” a friend asked me. Without hesitation I replied, “Switch,” by Chip and Dan Heath.
It’s not a devotional book. I don’t even know if the authors are Christian. But in its own way, Switch has everything to do with growing in faith. You’ll understand why when you read the subtitle: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard.
We’ve all had the experience of intending to make time for prayer and failing to follow through. Paul described it so well when he said, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:18). Switch discusses the conflicts between emotion and reason, as well as ways to get the two on the same path, headed in the same direction.
One useful point the authors make is that when change is hard, our main focus needs to be on what is working, instead of what isn’t. Where are the bright spots? How can we replicate them? There’s an inspiring example about this concept which focuses on how Save the Children succeeded in reducing malnutrition in Vietnam. Without money. Without personnel. Without much time.
Applying this “bright spot” idea to our devotional lives can make a huge difference. We can ask ourselves simple questions: Under what circumstances is my prayer life more focused? When do I succeed in ignoring distractions? What reminds me most of God’s presence and love?
Sometimes seemingly little things can cause an enormous shift—in the right direction.
