Hebrews 6:18 (TPT)
Change is one of those words that can be super exciting, and super scary. Sometimes it’s both of those at the same time. My husband asked God if there was a word for him in 2021, and the word God put on his heart was change. Some of the changes we see coming feels invasive and sad to my heart, yet also I can see how these changes could only increase our faith and ministry. Still, some changes are just hard. Because I find change to be hard at times and even confusing, I find solace in the fact that God never changes. He doesn’t say one thing and then suddenly out of the blue just change it. He vows to us that he will never change. He will always be the God of love, safety, hope, courage, strength, faith, and so on. He may ask us to make some difficult changes, but because he is so steady, we will be empowered to move ahead in the direction that he leads.
A lot of people in the Bible changed. Adam and Eve changed by moving from the garden into an unknown world. Moses changed by moving from a palace to the desert. Abraham changed by moving from the only home he knew to something totally different. The disciples changed from steady jobs to following Jesus all over the place, and Jesus changed from living in a perfect Kingdom to being a child in an imperfect world. So many interesting and intriguing changes, all of which brought joy and sadness.
I’ve been called to live many changes in life. Not just in locations, but inside my heart. Some of those changes just happened without me even realizing it. It was kinda like I woke up one day and realized that God changed me so gradually that I couldn’t actually pinpoint a specific moment. It just happened, and it was amazing. Then, there’s been the more painful times that God has pointed out to me that I need to change, and even though I want to please him, I don’t really want to change. Coming to that place of surrender so I willingly change because I know his vow to never change is what keeps me solid; this is not always easy or quick. I have to allow his Spirit to change my beliefs about change. I can choose to believe that the change is too hard, too much, impossible. Or, I won’t be happy or I’ll be in danger. But, is that really true? With God being the One that resides within me and being the God that has vowed to never change, I can choose to believe that the change he leads me to will always be for his good purpose. Always. Even if I don’t see that purpose or understand how it works, he has promised me good. When change comes I can choose to surrender it to God and believe in his sovereign power, or I can run!
Today I felt a little overwhelmed with the change in our nation, the upcoming changes in my life, and even the unknown changes. But then, I had a little epiphany when I picked up our dog from the groomer. He went to the groomer looking rather ragged, and a bit stinky. When I picked him he was unrecognizable. His new fancy haircut and sweet smelling hair was a great sight to see. As silly as it seems I realized that my dog trusts me when I take him to the groomer. He trusts me with the change that is about to take place, and he remains happy the entire time. He comes out smelling great, still happy. As I was driving home with him and thinking about this the thought came to mind that I too can go into something new and trust God with the outcome. When he works through me I will come out looking great and smelling pretty! It brought a smile to my face and a chuckle to go with it.
Change brings experience. Change gives us an opportunity to learn new things and to increase in wisdom. Change grows us, and broadens our horizons. So, with the change upon my horizon I am praying for the courage that a never changing God promises to give. What are the changes you have in front of you? How are you feeling about it?
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