Surviving the Changes that Happen in Life
One thing that never changes is that life always changes. Birth requires change. Growth requires change. To get better in any pursuit requires change. Change is inevitable.
It seems to me that most people like the results of good changes, but few people like the process of change. Change can be uncomfortable. It can be difficult. It is often painful. Some changes are a result of our own volition. We initiate those changes on purpose. We seek to further our education, to exercise, to eat a healthy diet, to start a business, or to improve our relationships. These changes are a result of our choices. Other changes happen to us against our will. We get sick. A loved one dies. We lose a job. A family member moves, and we do not get to see them as often. We lose energy because of the natural process of aging. These changes are not our choice, but we must learn to deal with them. How can you survive and thrive when life changes? Here are four biblical principles that will help you navigate the seas of change.
Transformation is not possible without change.
2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (NLT)
When God saves a person, he transforms their life. Can you imagine the Christian life without the power and benefit of Holy Spirt transformation? What if God did not transform our lives, our hopes, our desires, our faith, or our very being when he saved us? What would be the point? The beautiful reality about salvation is that God changes us. He gives us his Spirit. He is always with us. He guides us, blesses us, and transforms us. As a caterpillar changes from an earth-bound bug to a free butterfly that flies above the world beneath, so God changes you when you place your faith in Jesus Christ. Embrace the change.
God is with you in every circumstance.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (NIV)
Cling to the hope of God’s promise to be with you always and in every circumstance. I have never understood how people who do not receive Christ survive the changes that inevitably happen in life. I can only imagine how difficult life must be without a relationship with Christ and the Father. No matter how challenging the conditions, you can have hope when you remember that God never leaves you alone. He is always with you.
God has a purpose for the seasons in your life.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. (NKJV)
Some changes are the natural process that results from a fallen world. We get older and our bodies just won’t do what they used to do. The line from the Toby Keith song goes like this: “I may not be as good as I once was, but I am as good once as I ever was.” Well…not really. I used to be able to dunk a basketball and play for hours in sweltering heat. Now? I can watch basketball on TV for hours in an air-conditioned house and dunk a delicious donut in coffee or milk. Not the same, even once.
The point is that God has a purpose for your life, and it includes the seasons of life. Seasons are not permanent, and they will change eventually. God will use the seasons of your life for his purpose if you let him.
Circumstances change, but Jesus never changes.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (NKJV)
You will face changes in life. The good news is that Jesus never changes. He will always love you. He always has a plan, even if you can’t see it. He always has your personal growth in mind because he wants you to become more like him.
You can’t get to your destiny without change.
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. (NIV)
God loves to make things new and to make new things. He is doing something in your life right now. Trust him. You will never get to your destiny without change.
Michael Jordan was arguably the greatest basketball player ever. You have probably heard the story of how he was cut from the varsity boys basketball team at his high school when he was a sophomore. He had to play on the junior varsity team that year. He had a decision to make. He could embrace change and get better, or he could keep the status quo. He chose change. He became the North Carolina Player of the Year as a high school senior. He received a scholarship from the University of North Carolina and hit the winning shot for the national championship as a freshman. He won national player of the year at UNC. He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and won six NBA championships. He won two olympic gold medals. He is now a billionaire and owns an NBA team. He embraced change and it helped lead him to his destiny.
You can’t get to where God wants you without change. It is sometimes painful, sometimes difficult, and most of the time uncomfortable. But change is inevitable. Embrace it and let God use it to help you get to your destiny.