Monday, May 22, 2023
Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, Lord, save us! We're going to drown! He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him! Matthew 8:24-27
Lots of kids are walking across stages in the next couple of weeks and launching out into the world to begin their journey. There are so many important things they need to know, and we feel like we need to prepare them for all of them before they leave, which is an impossible task. One important things they need to know – something we have all become way too familiar with – is that change is constant in life. When it starts, often one change leads to another. We must learn to accept change and find peace in our one true constant - Jesus Christ.
There are two very important things you need to know about change:
Change will always be a part of life. Don’t get too comfortable, because as soon as you do, things will get shaken up. Change is a part of life; you can count on that. Where there is life, there is change. Growing requires change.
Sometimes in life things seem to be going very well, and then out of nowhere, a big surprise comes. Perhaps a close friend or a family member is suddenly killed or diagnosed with a life changing illness. Perhaps, after years of service your job is downsized, and you are laid off. No matter what your situation may be, sooner or later major life changes come. These sorts of things happen to people every single day. What's worse, many time those changes come suddenly and without warning… causing us to do some real soul searching. The question becomes, how are we to react when change hits us?
Adapt and be open to what God is teaching you. Don’t run. God sometimes allows tough situations to happen to us not because He is trying to make our lives difficult, but simply because He knows that this world is only a temporary assignment for us. He does not want us to love the world too much, because our ultimate destination is a place far better. Further, God desires for us to have character, rather than comfort in our lives. We like comfort and change forces us outside our comfort zone. Sometimes changes happen in order to develop us into the person He wants us to be and prepare us for a greater challenge or opportunity in the future. God could have left David as a simple Shepherd, but instead he called him to fight a giant and become a king. God has a plan and a purpose for your life, and sometimes change has to come so that He can accomplish His plans through us.
So don't be surprised that God sometimes calls us into uncharted waters. Change is scary. Change is inevitable. But quite often God fulfills his plans for us as we place our trust in the Him even through difficult times. Focus on Him and remember today that His plans are good, and we can trust Him to lead us and walk with us through every change. Change is the only constant in life, but Jesus Christ, His love for you and His truth are constant for all eternity.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
