Do you wonder, question yourself about your ability to change? Not willingness, nor even knowing what will happen with a change, simply – ability. Do you feel so involved with your life that imagining a change is not acceptable… or maybe not feasible or even desirable?
Perhaps we should begin with your attitude about change. Some people fear change. Some, meet it with distaste based on previous experience. Others simply dislike the disruption in their lives. However, there are those who quickly abandon what is and wholeheartedly accept change. And there are a host of other reactions. You? Most important though is do you know ‘why’ you react, respond to change the way you do?
For me, change is typically characterized by and involved with growth; and though sometimes the ‘lessons’ are difficult, I really wouldn’t change… change. Though, if I am honest, there is always a part of me that wants to direct the change. I don’t think I avoid or deny it or try and change the change. I may not always be overly delighted that change has invaded my life but if I don’t look at what the change is telling me about my now then I may miss what I can become with the change.
Scripture also talks about change… and changeless:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV)
This verse acknowledges the existence of change and also a word of comfort in that everything has a ‘time’. And, by implication, that what was will not necessarily stay the same.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
This verse tells us that we don’t need to be anxious… which includes ‘change’. It also tells us how not be anxious.
On the other end of the continuum, changelessness is identified:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17 ESV)
What a relief! There is something, Someone that we can rely on to not change, to always be as He says He is.
My point is that change is an ‘is’. It occurs and there is nothing we can do to stop it. This is also true of us – we don’t remain exactly how and who we were. Therefore, our focus should be on how we respond to changes. We should also rest in the assurance that what doesn’t change is the Lord. He is Who and what He says He is so we can always rely on Him and His Word. This assurance is our strength to face any change that we encounter with the knowledge that whatever we need to do or be, is already prepared for us. Actually… we can enjoy change.
To return to the initial question – our ability to change. Stop just a moment and look back. See all the changes that have already occurred in your life and that you were able to meet them and adopt and adapt them to who you are and who you are becoming. You can change. The added evidence is always available when you look at where you are right now and where you want to be. When you commit to personal growth (change) you will …
