Every journey requires change. A change of place, of movement, of position. It requires leaving, surrender, and a leap into the unknown. So some people (like me) don’t mind change, but more seem to actually fear or dread it. Which is understandable. Jumping off a cliff, so to speak, can be scary!
Fear of change usually comes from a fear of what we don’t know, don’t understand, or can’t control. Change leads (or sometimes drags) us down new paths, into uncharted territory. So we fear what could happen. And most of all we fear making mistakes or failing.
Now, anyone who has been following my blog for very long probably thinks that I deserve the title of “Official Change Addict,” and rightly so. Or that I need OCD therapy for my change addiction. 🤔 But despite all the mistakes and failures along the way – or maybe because of them – all that change has taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow.
Now, perhaps you’re actually going through or facing change right now, and dreading the possibilities. Or maybe you’ve already taken the plunge only to find defeat and failure staring you in the face. Either way, I’d like to share some insights that may help you face the challenges of change.
Powerful truths for times of change
1. God is unchanging.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
In the midst of our uncertain and changing world it’s good to know that some things are unchanging. Even Scripture assures us that we will face uncertainty, obstacles, defeat, shame, adversity, and trials on our journey here.
But our lives go beyond this precarious realm. We are in this world, but not of it. We belong to a great unshakable kingdom – ruled by the King who never changes and who promises to never leave us. So no matter what change may bring, we need never fear.
2. God’s word never changes.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35
God’s laws – along with His promises – are as firm and reliable today as they were when He first made them. So we can rest assured that even it the road is ardous, He will get us through. And that He can bring good even out of devasting change.
3. God is always on the move.
In his great Chronicles of Narnia series, C.S. Lewis figuratively portrays God through his character Aslan. In the first book, Aslan returns to a Narnia held under the White Witch’s spell of perpetual winter. “Always winter, and never Christmas,” as Mr. Tumnus sadly put it.
Until suddenly, there was a sense in the air that something was about to happen. Change – in the name of the great lion Aslan – was coming.
Aslan is on the move.
What a great illustration of God at work! Just as Aslan stepped in to free Narnia from the curse of perpetual winter, Christ steps into the bleakness of our Christmas-less, hopeless winter moments. He brings change and with it renewal, hope and a future.
Just because God is unchanging, doesn’t mean He is still. He is always on the move and knows just the right moment to step in with His transforming power.
4. God wants us to be on the move too.
We are called to a journey. Our life here is not a permanent residence, but a sojourn. It is a call to spiritual growth, to go deeper and deeper into God. Growth requires change, and it involves giving up something, but the gain far outweighs any loss. And even in the midst of defeat or failure, we can emerge victorious in Him.
5. Effective change comes only from stability.
Without a stable foundation, change will weaken rather than bring positive growth. So change is generally positive, when we have a solid base. As long as we’re building up our faith, our Bible reading, our prayer, and our fellowship with His people change brings growth. Without these we risk ruin.
Benefits of change
Change can bring deep and lasting growth by drawing us higher and deeper into Christ. This can help us become more mature and have a steadfast and immovable faith. Change is not something to fear as long as we walk hand in hand with Jesus!
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
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