Right now seems to be a time of change not only for myself but for my church, my friends, and my family. Changes at work and more responsibilities. Friends changing jobs and moving on. A death in the family. A new pastor at our church.
Change seems inevitable. Seasons of change can be stressful and confusing. Change can be exciting and thrilling. Change can be painful and tragic. The only constant during every change that never changes is the undying love of our Father in Heaven.
I came across a verse a few weeks ago that had meant so much to me during our move which was such an emotional time of change for us. I clung to it. It is from Isaiah 43:18-19 which says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?”
God thoughts are not our thoughts nor are our ways His ways. Sometimes what we have planned lines up with God’s wishes, and we are thankful for the blessing. Other times we have not planned for what has happened in our lives, and it is difficult to see the silver lining. In every instance though, the good and the bad alike, we can choose to praise God and give Him the glory for the good things He has done. We can be a testimony to others when we continue to praise God and lift Him up even in our times of need or struggle.
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is right before God parts the Red Sea. The Israelites are freaking out, literally, and thinking they are going to die. They are blocked in and trapped with the Red Sea on one side and the Egyptians in hot pursuit of them on the other. In their despair, Moses says to them in Exodus 14:13, “…Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” Then the Lord says in verse 15, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.”
I love this, because I think it is such a great picture of what so many times of change have been like for me. The knowledge of the change is stressful or painful, and I have been totally freaked out. I can’t see any possible good in the situation or any way out. Then a voice within myself or a strong Christian friend or my husband will say, “Get a grip. God has got this.” Then soon after, God will make Himself known and tell me it is time to get a move on. That is when I need to get to doing what He has called me to do and start moving forward.
God will never leave you or forsake you. He loves you and desires that everything in your life to be for your ultimate good and for His glory. Don’t ever doubt it in the good times and the bad.