Embrace the Change

By:  Betty Predmore

There are a lot of interesting things going on in my family right now. A daughter is a senior in high school, and planning for her college choices. CHANGE. A son, who I thought would be a bachelor his entire life, has himself a sweet little family. CHANGE. A daughter is going through some medical issues, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. She will hopefully soon be able to move forward with the dreams she has for her life. CHANGE. A son has moved away and finding his own way in life with his own new set of friends around him. CHANGE. A middle-schooler that is acting more like a teen every day, and less like a little boy. CHANGE. Step-children that have been a little distant are spending time with the family. CHANGE. Two younger children are battling through their learning issues, and the latest school reports were positive. CHANGE.

What does God say about CHANGE? Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19). God is always bringing newness to our lives. He makes a way for us, even when we don’t see one. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11). We might not understand what He is doing through the changes, but He certainly has a beautiful plan for our lives. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8). He never changes. His goodness never changes. Always….every single day… He wants the absolute best for us, for our families, for our lives. That is a constant. That is a promise. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9). Change might be happening in our lives, with our children, but we do not need to be fearful. God is with us. He is walking this path with us. He is smiling down upon us as He sees us enjoy the beautiful blessings He is pouring out. He is there to put us back in track if we start to drift. Simply put…He’s got good stuff for us and he’s got good stuff for our children!

So, embrace the change. Cherish the change. Appreciate the change. Let God navigate you and yours to where He wants you to be next. Trust Him that He will not guide you anywhere that isn’t good. Open your heart and mind to the beauty and potential of change, and embrace it with both hands. And know this….if you seek Him, serve Him, and let Him be your guide….you will not be in the same place next year as you are today. CHANGE…thank you Lord!