Navigating Change and Relying on God
Change is an inevitable and essential aspect of life, requiring us to step out of our comfort zones, challenge the status quo, and embrace uncertainty. While the prospect of change can be demoralizing, it is precisely during these moments that we have the opportunity to grow, adapt, and flourish. From personal development to societal progress, change has the power to break barriers, ignite innovation, and pave the way fora brighter future. Embracing change is not always easy, but recognizing its potential and acknowledging that sometimes it is precisely what we need is the first step towards embracing a world of endless possibilities.
From a biblical perspective, the scriptures offer us several examples of people who experienced change. Moses went from being a prince of Egypt to a humble shepherd and transformed into a reluctant but powerful leader of the Israelites, guiding them out of slavery towards the Promised Land. David started as a simple shepherd boy, was anointed as king, and went on to become a revered and complex ruler. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, faced numerous challenges, and ultimately became a trusted advisor to Pharaoh, saving Egypt from famine. These examples show that even though change may seem odd and counterproductive at first, their faith allowed them to have vision beyond their present circumstances, helping them persevere in the midst of change.
Change can also be dramatic and shocking at first. The Bible talks about individuals who experienced the power of change in a supernatural way. Mary Magdalene, a woman tormented by seven demons, had a transformative encounter with Jesus, becoming one of his most devoted followers. Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, encountered Jesus and experienced a radical change of heart, promising to repay anyone he had cheated and give to the poor. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had her life dramatically changed when she received the angelic announcement that she would bear the Son of God, leading her to become the mother of Jesus Christ.
God disrupts our lives through change, which may not always seem good initially. The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans that "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, NIV). From a Christian worldview, we understand that through faith, God is in control of our lives, and He works all things, good or bad, for the good of those who love Him. This means that we can trust that the dots of our future will connect, even though we can't see the whole picture looking forward. As we lean on God, trust Him, and submit our ways to Him, be encouraged that we too can find peace and assurance in the midst of the unpredictability of change (ref. Psalm 37:5).