Embracing Change

Life is definitely not static. We are in a constant state of flux and change. This becomes more evident to me with each passing day, month, and year. Aging is an especially difficult change because no matter how hard you try, your body ages, aches, and is more vulnerable to injury and illness.

I remember when I was younger looking at people who were the age I have now achieved and I arrogantly thought “I am not going to have difficulty sitting down; standing up; walking, etc.” Wrong. The aging process is taking its toll and I hear myself make funny noises as I struggle to do what once was very easy!

Change surrounds and encompasses our lives. Marriage, divorce, jobs, births, deaths, geographical moves, and even the ever-fluctuating weight, our health, looks, etc. The question is how do we manage inevitable change in our bodies and lives while reconciling with a God who never changes?

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We are blessed to have such a solid and consistent cornerstone to strengthen us and keep our path straight as we navigate lives that are constantly changing, but the concept can be a bit confusing so the Bible reassures us over and over that even though change is normal for humans, God is different and does not ever change so you can rely on His promises to be true.

The Bible discusses many different types of changes while encouraging and reassuring us by telling us that change can result in growth and that God is always with us every step of an ever-evolving life.

Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Although we change, God reassures us He never changes, therefore we can rely upon His promises and lean upon His strength)

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (God encourages us in the changes. He acknowledges we will age and wither away – externally – BUT internally our minds/souls are being renewed each day. He reminds us not to focus on what we see and experience in this world, [temporary] but to stay laser-focused on that which cannot be seen [eternal])

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (God tells us that we should expect change and celebrate when we find the old [sinful self] is gone and has been replaced by the new person we become in Christ)

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them (your enemies or challenges), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (God encourages us to stay strong in all changes and challenges because He is with us, and serves as our strength and courage in troubling times)

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (This scripture verse tells us CHANGE is planned and expected. It also reminds us everything in the universe is planned for a specific time and place. Do not become impatient waiting, but know that your circumstances will change when the time is right)

Hebrews 6:17-19 – “ Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. (In all things and all changes, God reminds us He doesn’t lie so that we can rely on His promises no matter how difficult a change might appear. He is with us, holding us up in the storm and soothing our souls during scary changes and events)

Isaiah 43:19 – “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (God reminds us that He is creating change! Change is good and it is His way of guiding and looking out for our best interests)

James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (Another reminder that God never changes, therefore is a reliable source of provision and security)

Jeremiah 29:11 – “ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (One of my favorite verses. God reassures us that He has GOOD plans for us. Plans that will bring us happiness, peace, and joy)

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Again, no matter how difficult the change, God reassures us He is the director and is choreographing a beautiful life and outcome. No matter what the circumstances seem to be, He wants us to face them with courage and assurance of His protection)

1 Corinthians 15:51 – “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—" (Sleep in the Bible means death. In the Bible 3 people ascended to heaven and did not die. Jesus promised us that we will ascend to be with Him [interpreted as the rapture by scholars] so the revealing of a “mystery” alludes to the fact that this is a confusing concept to humans who see death as the only way to leave the earth. However, God reveals to us that there will be some who leave in a different, supernatural manner)

Over our lives and especially the past three years, we have been subject to much change we didn’t initiate and don’t like. We also know that our bodies change over time and will eventually become worn out and difficult to live in. Change is inevitable, but all these verses I have quoted and explained today, and the Bible in its entirety, reassure us that change is the medium that transforms us from who we are to who we are meant to be and from where we are to the place He has planned for us. Looking at change as needed and required in order to mature and move in the right direction reassures us not to fear or be disgruntled with it, but rather flow gracefully from one stage of life to another with anticipation and joy. I will leave you with the following Psalm for encouragement and reassurance.

Psalm 103:1-5 – “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

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Love, hugs, and blessings, Lisa ><>