Guess what? This isn’t the first time this word has been the word of the day. Go back in time to October 5th, 2022 and see what was changing in my world at that time. Do you remember what was changing in your life last fall??
Because change is constant, there is plenty to talk about in this new season. It’s still officially spring and we still have a few cool mornings, but it feels more like summer because school is out until August. Graduations have happened. Weddings are being planned for next month. For Sale signs in front of homes are now welcoming moving vans.
This we know: “The only constant in life is change.” Heraclitus
I wrote this 10 years ago in the blog cited below: Sometimes change sweeps in and scatters life all at the same time — graduations, and weddings and moving children from dorm rooms to apartments and from apartments to homes… it all piles up like so many leaves in my yard each October. And even though you see changes looming on the horizon, all at once it seems to hit you like the blast of cold air clashing with the swirling, sweltering summer air. And then, it’s over. And it’s peaceful. At least for a short season.
Last week, I reached out to you with these questions:
What have you learned through changes in your life? What advice can you offer about how to face change? What scriptures about change are meaningful to you? What books or other resources are helpful concerning change?
Here is what some of you said:
“Change is no surprise to God.
He hasn’t left us hanging just because life changes. He still has good plans for us. He still loves us. In the moment, all we can see is the situation, the unpleasant circumstances. Honestly, often all we can see is ourselves and how it affects ME.
When we moved to the country and left our home and church of 20 years it was very difficult for me. My attitude was “45 miles from a Walmart God, really?” He has been faithful to me and brought me closer to him in this journey. It takes time to adjust to change and we should allow ourselves time to grieve the changes. Then trust God for the next step today.” B. K.
“Change is inevitable. I’ve learned to ask God to help me know what changes to accept/incorporate into my heart and life and what changes to resist. I’m no longer a crowd follower, crowd pleaser, crowd seeker.” P. I.
“The biggest change for me has been becoming a widow. Learning to live. I didn't want to live without my sweet husband. I did learn that the Lord is my first love and I have become more determined to live His Word. Not perfect but trying.” G.W.
Balance and perspective comes from knowing that there is one Person in our life who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. That’s where I’ve chosen to grow deep roots… not in the people or locations in my life that constantly change, but on the unwavering Rock. And long before changes and trials find you, and they will, decide where your hope will come from.
Wednesday in the Word
“My God will accomplish what concerns me.” Psalm 138:8
“He who began a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Share Your Good Words
Question(s) of the Week: For those of you who didn’t get a chance to respond — What have you learned through changes in your life? What advice can you offer about how to face change?
The following excerpt is from a story that will be included in my upcoming book, Unseen People: Sharing Life and Light with Your Neighbors and the Nations. Click the link below to see the progress of the book.
I eventually realized that my call didn’t change, even though my location wasn’t what I anticipated. I found people to serve right where I was. I found ways to serve in my church. I found writing on my laptop and using the internet meant I could send those words into all the world. I discovered the truth for the call to missions is about location — serving right where you are; using God’s gifts to change the world isn’t just about geography, it’s about saying yes to the path God opens before you, locally and globally.
A Good Song: We sing this song at my church and I love it. “Let Me Tell You ‘Bout My Jesus.” Anne Wilson A Good Lyric from the song: “Let my Jesus Change Your Life.”
A Good Book: This is for children age 4-8 but all of us can learn about overcoming changes in life through this beautiful little book. It Will Be Okay: Trusting God Through Fear and Change by Lysa TerKeurst.
NOTE: Please share with me some of your favorite blogs, songs and books. I’d love to know.
Some of the links above are associate links. That means, when you click and purchase, I receive a small percentage of that sale. Those funds, as well as funds from paid subscribers, supports my writing this piece each week. Thank you! I commit to forwarding a minimum of 10% to the amazing nonprofits: She Is Safe and The Red Cord. They help raise awareness of sex trafficking. They help prevent, rescue and restore victims to new life.
A Final Word
I have several friends whose children just received diplomas and their tickets to a new life. I wish I could tell my friends that this journey through life will be easy and that celebrating and moving on is pain free. We all know it isn’t. All I can say is, be aware of the passing seasons. You can’t hold on to them — the weather or your children. But you can consider them blessings, even when the ride is rough and know that this too will pass. Another season will come. And its good too.
Let me hear from you this week. What’s on your mind? What changes do you have ahead in this new season?
Thank you for taking your time to read my words. And if you would, please share a good word withsomeone today. Invite others into our Good Word community.
In times of change, and really just normal life too, I need to just focus on today. What is the Lord asking me to do for Him today. How can I glorify Him today. Matthew 6:33 and 34
In times of change, and really just normal life too, I need to just focus on today. What is the Lord asking me to do for Him today. How can I glorify Him today. Matthew 6:33 and 34
He is the best Rock! We all need someone unchanging! Thank you for sharing!