We all deal with change, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The ending of one year and beginning of the next is traditionally the time when we contemplate the possibility of change. But what happens when change is forced on us, say through the loss of a relationship, a job change, or a family issue? This week I write to offer some encouragement for those of us who are going through a season of change.
Coping with a change that you didn't initiate requires that you change your perception of the event. That being said, if we aren't careful we can easily get distorted and lose our sense of direction. It's even possible to begin to resent God and while we second guess Him, the devil seethes as he assaults our minds with all kinds of negative propaganda. (And that's where we put him in his place) I don't casually say this, but sometimes we have to "Let Go...and Let God.". While I admit that its extremely hard to do so when life is making changes that don't seem to fit, we must. While I don't know what the future holds for you or I, I do know the One who does.
Perhaps you have been waiting for the windows of heaven to open up and for God to bless your socks off for all that faith you have? I say that with a bit of sarcasm, but there is a sense of entitlement we think we deserve because we serve God. I'm not speaking of claiming promises, I'm saying, "I know what's best for me and this isn't it", in other words. Oh how vastly different our needs are compared to what God knows is best for us at the time. I have heard many pastors and people of influence say God took them through the desert. They never imagined the journey would be as it was, but hindsight is 20/20.
While the world waits for us to fall, the scriptures say He will guide us with His eye and that the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him. It's ok to embrace our imperfections, it's ok to admit our failures, it's ok to be uncertain of our future. This is why we have a mighty God we put our trust in. And if we know He always has our best interest in mind, and all things work for our good, then we have to trust Him. CS Lewis put it this way, "Withhold nothing from God and trust Him with everything."
God is never surprised by something that happens to us, He has already met every need you and I will ever have. Thankfully, we’re not at the mercy of the unknown; God’s Word tells us each pilgrim appears before Him (Ps. 84:7). We will be victorious, no matter how long and jagged our valleys might be, because our needs have already been provided for by the master Logistician.
"The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.
From the place of His dwelling He looks on
all the inhabitants of the earth;
He fashions their hearts individually;
He considers all their works."
 |
| TRANSFORMED |
" For God is not unjust
as to forget your work and the
love which you have shown toward His name..."
as to forget your work and the
love which you have shown toward His name..."
