When Everything Changes…

Sometimes the straightest line between A and B is not the route God chooses for us. His ways and thoughts truly are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). At times we chart the course and set off toward the destination, only to see God unexpectedly change our direction. If you have been there you know what I am talking about. We wonder what to do when everything changes.

At these times life can be more than a little disorienting.  We all go through seasons of change in life. Our homes change. Our work changes. Schedules, routines, and so much that have been familiar are suddenly very different. Through it all, God reminds us that as He changes us, He never changes.

1. Change is inevitable

Life is constantly changing! The Lord built change into our world, and we must not despise it. Change is the unchanging principle in this life.

2. Change never touches God

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). Changes can be disorienting, even when you know it is in God’s plan. Your spiritual equilibrium can seem “off.” At such times, always go back to what you know for sure. The Lord never changes. Who you are in Christ never changes. The Word of God and His promises never change. Your access to the Father in prayer never changes. Life’s ultimate goal, the glory of God, never changes. Thousands of years ago the prophet Malachi recorded God’s words, “I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:8). A.B. Simpson had it right when he wrote, “All may change, but Jesus never – glory to His name!” He is always good. He is always faithful. He is always right. 

3. The ultimate destination has not changed

Wait a minute! If the direction changes, does not the destination change? It depends on which destination you are talking about. We have goals in mind and objectives that very often were not set by God. The goal of the Christian life is the knowledge and glory of God. That destination has not changed. You are still on your way to heaven and you are still headed toward the same agenda here on earth – God’s glory.

4. God is changing you for the better

When the Lord takes us on a divinely ordered detour, there is always a purpose. Some excess baggage to remove. Some precious truth to pick up. Or perhaps just a private meeting with Him somewhere off the beaten path. It is why Abraham did not always take the simplest route, why Moses had to go to the backside of the desert, why the children of Israel went in circles for forty years, why David had to run to a cave, and God’s prophets were often on the move. When God changes our direction, He is very often trying to change us.

5. Change is only profitable when it turns me more and more to the changeless Christ

Stay in tune with God. This is not the time to allow distance between you and the Lord. So many people slip through the cracks during the “in-between” times of life. We must be near enough to the Lord to hear His promptings. Acts is a transition book. The early believers went through unbelievable changes. They would never have known what to do (and not to do) apart from a continued openness to the Holy Spirit. The hymn writer had it right: “Keep the way clear; let nothing between.”

6. The most important changes are not external but internal

Circumstances and surroundings may change, but the eternal changes are the ones God accomplishes in our hearts. Give attention to the inner man.

7. Everything does not have to change

It is wonderful that you do not have to lose the friends God has given you. Work to keep the relationships you have! God’s work is addition and multiplication; it is the devil’s work to subtract and divide. I am rarely in the place where I served for so long, but my thoughts and prayers are. That will not change.

8. Change is an opportunity

Times of transition can be scary. Remember that the Lord teaches many of His greatest lessons “in the mean time” (John 4:31). We must make the most of these moments! Don’t rush it. Many a person has waited on the Lord until the actual time of transition came. Then, something happens! We want to get it over with. At this point, it is easy to get ahead of the Lord. Step by step, wait on Him to show you what is next. You didn’t have all the answers yesterday, and you don’t have to have them today. Adrian Rogers said that with God, “timing is more important than time.” God is not in a hurry; wait on His timing for every detail.

9. Keep a grateful heart

In change and uncertainty, we are prone to grumble, to complain. This is the worst thing you can do! Give God thanks. Bless the Lord and speak in faith. This is true not only in your heart but in your home. Talk openly and pray with every member of the family. There is always emotion involved in change. Each person affected by transitions will express their emotion differently. Allow them to work through it and encourage everyone to keep their eyes on Jesus.

10. Praise Him in the parentheses

If you are going through a season of change, give God your undivided attention! He is at work in you and for you. Use this parenthesis for…

• Examination – what is God teaching me?
• Elimination – what needs to be removed?
• Concentration – what does the Lord want me to give my energy to?

Stop wondering about God’s choice and worrying about your future. The Lord already has it planned out. You just keep following and stay on the lookout for His messages to you. He is in charge of this trip, and we are just along for the ride.

Soon, we will be in the land where no changes come. Until then, keep resting in the Lord and following His lead. He knows the road ahead.

WATCH: TRUSTING THE LORD FOR YOUR FUTURE

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About Scott Pauley