If you have taken a drive lately, you’ve probably noticed the awesome colors of the trees. They are changing every day this week, and they keep getting better. We look forward to this change every year.
The next big change will be the falling temperatures. This change however, is the one we normally don’t look forward to.
Our time here on earth is full of change. It can be a constant force in our daily lives. For most of us, we are not that “into” change. We tend to prefer the status-quo and we yearn for our normal, safe routines. This is part of the human condition. The question is – Does change have to be chaotic and stressful??
Our God is a God of order, and change does not come to our lives as a random act of chaos. The changes that we experience are all part of God’s providence and will for our lives. If we plan on fighting all of the changes, then we are in for a long, hard life battle. Perhaps we should consider taking a different perspective on change. If God is in control and the potential change is from God, then we should also ask Him to direct us through the necessary change. Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” God promises that He will show us the way, if we acknowledge his leading in our life.
We can stand on a few more promises that God has given us in relation to our ever -changing world. In Hebrews 13:8, we read, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Jesus is our constant. He does not change. We can always focus on Jesus to keep our balance, when our daily lives are out of control. When Peter stepped out of the boat and into the water, his faith faded quickly and he began to sink. Jesus reached out to him and saved him from drowning in the stormy sea. If Peter had kept his eyes on Jesus, then he might have walked all the way to Jesus. This is a great example about where our focus should be, when we experience hard changes.
God gives another promise to Joshua in Joshua 1:5b, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” God is telling him that just as he brought changes to Moses and stood by him, He would do the same for Joshua. Likewise in Hebrews 13:5b -6 the author reminds us of the same, “…be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” In Christ we know He will never leave or forsake us. This promise should be memorized in our hearts, so that when the changes and the fears come, then we are ready to handle them in God’s strength.
Prepare your mind and you heart for the next change in your life. It is coming. Just remember that God is ever present and ready to help you through it.