Dealing with change

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.”~Joshua 1:9

Change is not always easy because the prerequisite for change requires that a difference is made or that something different will occur. This difference might show up in our thinking, our actions, our words or possibly the course of direction we take.  Change is often easier when the choice to be different or do something different is ours, but if we are honest even then change can present challenges because we are embarking on something that is new.  We are in some way going to be doing something different.  

For some, people like me, change can be unsettling because there is a decrease in control.  What is familiar is passing and you are no longer able to rest in the comfortable routines of knowing or at least having an idea of what comes next.  I am that type of girl who likes to adventures to the Amusement Parks and movies because, again, I have a choice to get on the ride or close my eyes at the scenes that I can’t bear to watch.  

I will acknowledge that I am that plain Neapolitan Ice Cream girl. I like change on my terms, but life doesn’t work like that. God uses change to grow me, to help me become even more likened to the image that He created me to be (Genesis 1:27).  He uses change to develop the character that reflects my Father.  He uses change to bless us in ways that we can not even imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9) because His ways are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8).   

So, while I may not always welcome change, I can face it.  I can go to Nineveh ( Jonah 1:1-2) if need be or enter a land that was promised ( still having to face the things that will need to removed to possess it -Joshua 1;6,11  with hope because God has shown me (us) how to meet the challenge of change.

1. Follow His command to be strong and courageous.  God did not create in us a spirit of fear ( 1 Timothy 1:7). The NIV translation says that He does not make us timid. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  No, we are not people designed to cower from the shadows of this life.  We are people of power because our power comes from the Lord our God, Creator, and Father.  We have His love and self-discipline to stand firm because He is our hope and strength. 

2. Be courageous and not discouraged because we are a people who are prepared to meet the challenge. Why?  Because God is with us. Sure we might be small in stature, but God is Mighty.  He is standing right there with us. He has every square inch of our back.  In fact, we are covered at every angle because He goes before us ( Deuteronomy 31:8) and surrounds us with His hedge of protection ( Psalm 91).  What are we to fear if God be for us? ( Romans 8:31) Absolutely nothing!

3. He is with us wherever we go.  Nothing can separate us from His love ( Romans 8:5-39).  He will never leave us or forsake us ( Deuteronomy 31:6).  He will give us the wisdom we need (James 1:5).  We only need to trust Him.  

Father, change comes but You are the same.  We can trust You.  Help us to remember your promise to be with us.  Infuse is with your strength and cover us in your love.  May we lean not to our understanding, but look to You. May we be led by your Spirit and may we trust in your plan for our life.  Help us to conquer the challenge of change with your grace.  We will give you all the glory and honor. In Jesus name. Amen