The Constant

Change.  It is such a normal part of life.  Why then, do I fight against each stage of it?  I so enjoyed a beautiful Christmas with my family this year. But my heart could not help but remember with nostalgia, when I was younger and all of my grandparents were alive, and so much a part of the family.  Then I recalled when the kids were little. Safely nestled at home.  Now one is married, and the other is 18.  Things have definitely changed.  Sad changes.  Good changes.  Endings.  New beginnings.  It is all a part of His plan.

Through all of the up's and down's of the years, one thing is constant.   God's loving care.  His provision.  His presence.  He is my Constant. 

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8).

Because He is my faithful companion.  My rock.  There is always just enough stability in my life to keep my feet under me.  Because of His constancy,  I am not shaken.  I am  not moved! 

Looking ahead to 2015, I am comforted to know that He is already there.  He has gone before me.  He has plans too big and wonderful for me to perceive.   Instead, I must trust.  I must lean.  I must rely.  I do not have to figure out tomorrow.  I do not have to fret my end-of-the-year work.  I do not have to dread the job audit that is to come.  I do not have to figure out ministry steps.  Instead, I walk joyfully forward.  Smiling. Trusting.  Believing.  He is there.  He does not change.  He is  my grace and peace when all else moves.

Dear Lord, as Christmas ends, and my focus shifts to the end of one more holiday season, one more year, help me to look forward and not backward.  Help me look up to you- and never down.  Help me to rest in the season you have appointed for me.  Help me trust with ever increasing glory this year. May I rest safely in your care as a sleeping infant does upon  his mother or father's shoulder. In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Embracing Change

 

 

    

Eccl 3:1

 

3 To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

NKJV

   

I will be straight with you.  I am not a fan of change.  Oh sure,  I am up to trying new restaurants and vacation destinations. I do not mind to try new movies, books or foods.  But when it comes to the rhythms of  my everyday life, I like them to stay fairly predictable.  Comfortable. Safe.  Especially if it is something that I enjoy.  Each year I am  saddened to say goodbye to summer, with its fewer pressures and days of fun.   I dislike the end of  Christmas or the conclusion of  vacation.  While I do celebrate each of my children's milestones, it is hard to close the door on the various stages of development. Can you relate?

 

But God  has assigned  seasons to our life. In His wisdom and good purpose, He allows there to be  cycles, new beginnings and endings. Each of them have their own charms, difficulties, challenges and joy.  It keeps us sharp to go through changes.  It also keeps us reliant upon God.

 

In the never  ending changes of  life, we can still enjoy stability, safety and security.  Why?  Because God is always there.  And He never changes.  His heart, character, and purpose are steadfast and immovable. He will always be love.  He will always be just.   He will always  be merciful.  We can count on these unchanging truths.  Whenever we are afraid, His guiding hand and comfort will  rest upon  us.  Because of  that, we do not have to fear.  We can face the future with confidence and expectation.

 

Each time the Lord  closes the door on a season, He has a good purpose for us.  Our future is always full of hope and promise  because He ordains support and help to meet every challenge.  Hear the voice of the Lord to you today,

 

Josh 1:9

 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord  your God is with you wherever you go."

NKJV

 

Dear Lord, give me grace for the change that is ahead.  Help me to rest in You and find joy in this stage.  Help me  to make the most of the seasons you give me.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

Seasons of Purpose

 

 

 

    

Eccl 3:1

 

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

 

NKJV

 

Tonight we had the wedding rehearsal of my nephew.  He is the closest in age to my oldest son.  This is a milestone of a new season in their lives.  A change for them and for us, the older generation.  It foretells of new changes yet to come in our family.

Change can be beautiful and frightening all at once.  So many of the seasons that the Lord brings us to, are full of the unknown.  But there, in the middle of uncertainty, there lies so many blessings.  I am thankful that He goes before us in every stage of life and walks us through all of the phases that we encounter.

To everything there is both a season and a purpose.  When an expectant mother is going through the delivery process, the transition phase is definitely the most intense and painful.  Life can be like that too.  But just beyond the pain is the most beautiful blessing. A result that makes it all worth the while!  Seasons and purposes go hand-in-hand.

Are you coming into new seasons in your life?  Do not be afraid.  There is a purpose in the change.  A God-ordained purpose that will definitely work for your good!

Dear Lord, thank you for directing our lives and appointing our seasons.  Lord, we look to you and ask that you reveal your purpose to us.  Grant us the strength to go through change with grace.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

Congratulations Brett and Danielle!  God goes before you, and your future is full of His potential and purpose!