There are circumstances in our lives that can cause change. It could be the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a divorce, or a health issue. No matter what the cause, the results can be the same—devastating.
How do we as Christians handle change?
We seek the One who doesn’t change. God said in Malachi, “For I the Lord do not change . . .” (Mal. 3:6). What a comfort to know that the God of this universe, the God who made all we can and can’t see, doesn’t change even when the rug of life is pulled out from under us and we are spinning.
I remember when my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. As the rug was pulled and the spinning began I held on to the promise that no matter how bad things seemed to be going, God said “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5) and that He would give me the strength I needed to face the future without my dad.
I experienced a difficult change when employment caused us to move in with my husband’s parents. As I waited for God to provide I tried to focus on Him and the knowledge that He would sustain us. He reminded me in Psalm 55:22 to “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”
When my husband had a heart attack and the rug began to move under me once again, I found comfort in knowing that God was for us and not against us and He would once again sustain us. I looked to Him for my strength when I felt I couldn’t handle the unknowns. Isaiah 41:10 told me to “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” And God did just that. He strengthen me, He helped me, He held me in His hand through the days, weeks, and months of my husband’s recovery.
I don’t know what will be the next event that may cause me to lose my balance, but I do know that God’s Word is full of promises I can claim, and I will. For changes can and do come, but I know I don’t have to endure them alone.
Are you in the middle of change?
Do you feel as though you are falling headfirst towards the floor of uncertainty?
Let me encourage you and remind you that nothing has caught God by surprise. He is our anchor, our strength and the one who holds us. Trust God and know that in the midst of the change, He too is there.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Prov. 3:5-6 (NIV)
photo courtesy of Joy Saylor Photography
