Change happens!
As a 50-something year old, I can assure you that as hard as you may fight it, change will happen. I have fought and dug my heels in to resist change, but the winner almost every time is CHANGE! They say that as you get older, change becomes harder, but I see people of all ages choosing routine and the status quo as the norm.
Last week, I wrote about The Perfect No – when God chooses a “No” for an area of our lives, which causes a big change, that becomes His “Yes” for us. God takes these “No” moments and in our act of surrendering all to Him becomes perfect for our lives. During this transition, you are enduring a change and with change comes uncertainty and anxiety.
Change will happen and our “yeses” and “nos” effect the outcome. When change is God-driven, He is working hard to mold us to His purpose and plan for our lives. God’s grace forms our lives and directs us toward Him daily when we say “Yes”. We learn in 2 Timothy 1:9 that:
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
God’s purpose for our lives involves change, but He balances this by freely providing grace every step of the way. The messy life changes , the easy changes and everything in between are laced with grace to aide in achieving God’s intention for us. This is why God’s “no” can become the best answer we will ever receive.
The years have taught me much and sometimes the lessons need to be repeated over and over so they stick. But I have learned and there are several lessons that I want to pass on!
1. Change happens whether you want it to or not!
We all know this deep in our hearts but sometimes hearing it again and again ingrains it deeper into our souls.
2. Change is a catalyst for a renewed sense of purpose.
We kick and scream and then we give into the change and find out it was exactly what we needed all along.
3. Change is God-driven when you are God-focused.
Keep your eyes on God and He will lead you through the change and take you forward from there.
4. Embrace the change, make the most of it and be willing to learn from it.
As hard as it is or as much as you just want to run the other way-embrace the change- you will be pleasantly surprised!
God’s purpose plus our messy lives join to become God’s ultimate plan.
The lessons come when we least expect, but embracing the change will lead us to God. I know that’s the direction I want to go in my life.
Blessings,
Mary
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Love this! Yes, change is ever present and constant. This is the topic that’s been on my heart the most lately – and one on which I’ve been doing a lot of writing (starting a series on how we respond to change in a couple of weeks). Loved seeing your post and your perspective.
Blessed that you stopped by and stayed for a bit by joining the conversation. I will have to stop by to read and learn about your perspectives on change. Hope your weekend was blessed!
All through history, there has always been change but the speed of change today with so much technology is hundreds of times faster and can be very overwhelming.
I love this spiritual perspective on change! I have done a lot of change work in the corporate world and I find it helps to let people know it’s OK to be afraid or unhappy during times of change.
There are stages somewhat similar to stages of grief. First, you hear about the change, then you may have some denial that there is no way that could happen. Next comes acceptance that the change is real and not going away.
My take away from your post is that we can and should trust God to move us through these stages and get to the last step where we embrace the change.
Thanks for sharing on this very relevant topic.
Amen! I know God has an amazing plan for each of us and when it involves too much change it doesn’t seem so wonderful to us. But embracing God, who orchestrated the change then helps us to accept the change. I know your work with change makes you more of an expert and I love how you shared this knowledge here.
Love every word of this! I am finally learning that if God wants change, He has a reason for it and I need to just trust and obey.
Absolutely! I believe that change will happen no matter what if it is God-driven so hopping in and holding onto Him for the bumpy ride is the best choice. So blessed you stopped by today. Happy Weekend!
Amen! Some of us like change (most of the time). My mantra…”help me love you more, Lord.” and “Help me trust you.” The trust gives peace in the change. I believe he has a dream for us for every season, and seasons require change. Blessings! andy (found you on Rachel’s link-up.)
I love that God gives us a dream for each season and seasons require change! It is in our trust in God that we are able to push through and move forward with change. I’m so glad you popped over from Rachel’s to join me here. Weekend blessings!
I love this much needed lesson today, Mary! I’m one to choose routine every time I can. My life has always been so crazy and I resisted normalcy when I first ended up in it. Now, I’m settled in normalcy and resist anything that will rock that boat :). #2 is where I’m at right now. I’m feeling a “renewed sense of purpose” coming on. The lazy, comfortable girl in me is fighting it though… Thanks for your inspiring words, my friend!
Isn’t it exciting Candace how are faith allows us to anticipate and get excited over what God is going to reveal to us next? It has taken me a lot of years to embrace this but this time in my life is the best because I know deeply that God’s got this and will provide what I need. So glad we have re-connected. Happy weekend to you!
At times I find myself fighting change with an emotional tenacity that takes me by surprise. I love the points you make about change and how encouraging it is to be reminded that “God’s purpose plus our messy lives join to become God’s ultimate plan.”
I thank God dally that He is willing to meet me in my messy and work with me. His patience and understanding is beyond measure and I am blessed that He loves me enough to try, try again. So glad to see you here today! Happy weekend friend!
Yes…change can result in much joy when we do trust God for our lives. I have wasted so many years trying it my way, but found out that God’s best plan has brought much happiness and much better than I have have gotten on my own!
Thank you for stopping by today, Verona and joining in the conversation. I love seeing new faces. I believe we waste too much energy on fighting the system instead of trusting that God knows best. Happy weekend to you!
Great wisdom for embracing change. I really loved all four points you listed. Especially #4. I just really believe in everything we experience in life there are lessons to learn . . . opportunities for growth. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us, friend. Much love. xoxo
I agree that there is so much to learn from change and sometimes I feel like I have a little advantage because life experience helps our perspective. Hope your weekend is beautiful and fun! Hugs!
I’ve experience so much “change” in my life over the last four years. Some good, mostly bad (to my perspective), yet each area of change has stretched me and caused me to lean more on the Father. Wise words here my friend.
Thank you! Change is never perfect but I have learned over the years that God is part of the change and is walking through it with us. He just wants us to say “hey I need you”. He craves being with us in the good, bad and the messy. Blessed by your presence and encouragement!
Thank you for this all changing post. As we are in the mist of change it did indeed encourage my heart.
Humbled that this post encouraged you. Praying for you and all you are facing! Blessings!
As a military family, we know change well. Loved your points about embracing change and that a No can be God’s Yes for our lives!!!!
Glad you stopped by and joined in the conversation. I am sure that you have wonderful perspective on change being a military family. Blessings!
Thank you, Mary, for these hope-filled reminders. My mother is preparing to move from her home of 40 years, and your post is a sweet reassurance. Thank you for pointing us to the promise that God’s wise purposes remain constant in the midst of change. Thankful to find you today through Rachel’s link-up!
Gratefully,
Renee
I’m blessed you stopped by today Renee! I understand completely the process and struggle of moving parents from a forever home to the next stop along the way wherever that is. I’ll be praying for the transition to go smoothly and for all involved to be grace-filled and understanding throughout the process. Blessings!
Heard something on the radio the other day about change. People are either Pioneers or Settlers. This pastor’s parents were settlers and sat in the same seats at church every week. One week, visitors had taken their seats. There were plenty of other seats. Wife asked her husband what they should do. Husband answered “well, I think we should go home.” And that’s what they did! Sometimes we allow change to affect what God has in mind for us.
This is so good! What a great visual of the Pioneers and the Settlers. Thank you for stopping by and sharing this!
For sure, change happens. But oh, those transitions can be so wrenching …
Let’s pray that our upcoming transition into autumn brings joy and hope and some miracles of grace along the path.
Wednesday blessings, my friend!
;-}
Your wise words fill me whenever you stop by! Sharing encouragement is your gift. Wednesday blessings to you too!