Do you feel like your life is spinning out of control? Do you feel like your life is suddenly being thrashed about in the waves of a raging sea of change? Do you feel like your whole world is changing around you? Are you afraid of what is happening? Are you clinging to the past and the things of the past? Are you afraid of what the future holds? Are you afraid of what you will need to face or do in this new and unanticipated chapter of your life? Things, people, and places may change, but God and his love for us does not change.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  

-Hebrews 13:8 NIV  

A while back, one of my close friends was feeling discouraged about change in their life. I sent this friend a message of encouragement. It went something like this:

My friend, I believe the Lord has a plan for your scene (home, church, workplace, school, town, city) and you are part of that plan. Don’t be afraid of that plan. Don’t be afraid of change. Don’t be afraid of the new responsibilities that will come. Don’t be afraid of the change that will come. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and explore new ideas. Don’t be afraid to learn new things and to grow as a individual (spiritually, mentally, relationally, and even professionally). Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and thoughts with others. Don’t be afraid to express yourself. Don’t be afraid to tell others about Jesus. Don’t be afraid to make a stand for what you believe. Don’t be afraid to make a stand for your faith. Don’t be afraid show others who you are in Christ. Instead pray a lot and trust God to lead you, guide you, and direct you. Remember that God is always with you and always keeps His promises. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” You just need to trust in Him and His plan for you. He has great things planned for you.

“Greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done here

There is no one like our God…

For greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city”

 – “God of this City” by Chris Tomlin

Don’t be afraid of the path that God has for you. Don’t be afraid to allow God to use you to make a difference. If and when that time comes, don’t be afraid to be the change. It takes one small spark to start a whole forest a ablaze. Your faith and your passion for Christ will have a greater impact than you could ever imagine.

“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”  

-Charles Wesley

Dear Lord Jesus,  Please help us not to become paralyzed by the fear of change, but instead take the necessary actions during these times of change. Please use our lives to bring about positive change in the lives of those around us. Thank You for everything You have done for us, everything You are doing for us, and everything You are going to do for us.  Amen.