Are You Struggling with Navigating Change in Life?
Navigating Change in an Uncertain World
We live in an ever-changing world. Some changes can be good and helpful; other changes may seem perplexing, bringing discomfort. Change is a part of life. As I grow older, things are changing. Our bodies are aging and don’t always respond or function the way they used to when we were younger. The nucleus of the local family unit begins to change as children mature.
To a certain degree, God has designed change into His creation. From conception to birth, through childhood to adulthood. Change allows and gives us tools for growth and development, and, God willing, along the way, we are maturing. However, this process can be difficult as we go through the various transitions and seasons of life. Change can shake our life to its core. Sometimes change can bring fear, producing anxiety.
What do we fear? Fear of the unknown. Fear of our inabilities, fear of “what ifs”? We may not know what the future holds, but we do and can know Who holds the future! “Know”: not just head knowledge, but a relationship built on faith and trust-a commitment.
Where can a soul find a sure foundation that they may stand upon without the fear of falling, and when they do fall, a hand to get back up? An anchor in the storm-tossed seas of life that will never fail?
An Unchanging Savior in a Shifting Culture
This is the reason it is paramount that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). What does it mean? How can I apply the promise that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever? It is a description of His very nature, His authority, and His Power-nothing is too difficult or beyond His purpose.
He is reigning in Heaven today, has the same convictions, same plan, and goal-salvation of souls. He has the same attitude toward us through His grace our eternal good. He has the same love for us. He never deviates. He is unmoved, unchangeable, and undefeated. You can depend on Him! Can He depend on you?
God’s immutable plan never changes. It is centered and grounded in His Son, John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
You are very precious and valuable to God. This verse tells of the greatest love that shall never wane, from the greatest Giver, and the most valuable gift ever given. With this is the power to live (Romans 6:17-18, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 8:9). The blood of Christ shall never lose its potency, shall never weaken. There is transforming power in the blood!
Navigating Change with God’s Immutable Truth
The truth never changes: sin is still sin and needs to be acknowledged, repented of, and washed, forgiven in the precious blood of Christ. Terms of pardon and salvation in Jesus have not changed. The same gospel taught on the Day of Pentecost will still save the erring sinner (Acts 2)!
The Bible, with its commandments and promises from an infinite, omnipotent, and sovereign God, never grows antiquated. God’s word is just as true, powerful, useful, and valuable when applied to one’s life appropriately today (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17) as it ever has been. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
Jesus’ words, just as the Father’s, are truth (John 17:17) and are forever settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89). We can place our trust and confidence in His words. Whatever He says, He will do.
The Church’s design and purpose never change. The Church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20ff). It has been bought with the precious blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28); this will never change. The Church is the kingdom which Daniel spoke of; the God of heaven would set it up, and it would never be destroyed, nor left to other people, for it would stand forever (Daniel 2:44).
The Church’s destiny is eternal glory-whether I am a part of that glory, God out of His great love has left the choice up to me, and you. He desires you and me and whosoever will may come answering His call of salvation in obedient faith (2 Thessalonians 2:14, Hebrews 5:7-9).
Building Your Life on the Solid Rock
If you are struggling, turn to Him. Joel told Judah, “So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm” (Joel 2:13).
Don’t build your life on the shifting sands; they are deceptive. This world cannot provide what you need and crave. Jesus spoke of a man who deeply contemplated his life; he made a plan, then he labored, giving his all-digging deep, laying his foundation on THE Rock, building his life on Christ. So when the rain, torrents of change, burst out against his life, it could not shake or destroy it, for it was founded on THE Rock (Luke 6:46-49).
Paul did this, and nearing the close of his life on earth, Paul could boldly say, “…I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12b). What had Paul committed to the LORD? Everything, including his very life! It is about having the right and proper relationship with the LORD! When that relationship is fed, protected, and nurtured, it will allow us to have the proper perspective as we move forward with Him.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8