The Challenge Of Change

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 nlt

Change is inevitable. Whether it be a small adjustment or a major shift in our life, change can be exciting as we face new experiences, new people, and new places. However, some transitions are not so exciting. Maybe the change we’re facing is the result of a supervisor’s decision to give us more work and less hours. Maybe our children are becoming young adults and we have to transition to life with an empty nest. Maybe we’re facing an unwanted change in a personal relationship.

What can we do to help manage the emotional waves that come with change? We can remember that God is with us. After forty years of wilderness wandering, God’s people were preparing to enter the promised land. Moses had died, and Joshua was in charge. God told Joshua to “be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the laws my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7). God’s laws and his promise of continued faithfulness provided the stability needed during this pivotal period of transition, both for the Israelites and for Joshua as their new leader.

Second, during periods of change, we need to keep God at the center of our focus. In Matthew 19:21 Jesus instructed the rich young ruler to sell all his possessions and follow him. But Scripture states that the young man “went away sad” (Matthew 19:22). He missed what Jesus was offering because he valued his wealth and property more.

Because we know that God is with us at all times, we should strive to see beyond the change in our circumstances and look at the opportunity he is providing to develop and grow.

Change always starts in your mind. The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.

Rick Warren

Will power does not change men. Time does not change men. Christ does.

Henry Drummond

Concentrate on counting your blessings and you’ll have little time to count anything else.

Woodrow Kroll

For Further Reflection

Ecclesiastes 3:1–8; Proverbs 16:3; Joshua 1:6–11

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I am uncomfortable and unclear about where life is taking me right now. But I know as long as I remember you are with me and keep my focus on you, I can navigate this change with your grace and mercy. Amen.