Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
I wrote about change not too long ago. I suppose we’re in a season of life when change is the rule rather than the exception. Three weeks ago, we dropped my oldest off at college. As I talked to some friends with children just a few years younger than mine–friends for whom that day still looms–we all agreed about how much we didn’t like change, any change. Hated it, in fact. Maybe you can identify.
Change is not all bad. In fact, it’s one of the ways God teaches us about Himself … and about us.
Change reminds us that we are neither self-sufficient, nor in control.
When things are familiar and comfortable, when we have a system and a routine, we start to think we can handle anything. That’s an illusion, though. In John 15:5 Jesus reminded His disciples and us that we can’t do anything without Him. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Focusing on the concern change brings chokes out the gospel.
Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world … choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. Matthew 13:22
When our anxiety and distress about change fills our thoughts and imagination, it becomes more and more difficult for God to work in us and through us. Sometimes it even interferes with our ability to embrace what we know–that God is in control, and that He loves us.
There is no growth without change.
As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2
We usually see growth as a good thing and change as a bad thing, but the two are inseparable. Change is not a punishment but an opportunity, something that God has carefully, lovingly approved to draw us to Him. From the moment of our salvation, He sets us on a course to make us more Christlike, more suited to His ultimate purposes. The changes we experience put us one step closer to where He wants us to be.
What has God taught you through the changes you’re experiencing now?