Dealing with Change

When we are experiencing multifaceted changes, our minds can easily go into overdrive – trying to cope and find ways to regain some form of regularity.

When things become unpredictable, it is natural and easy to feel helpless.  But we find the courage we need by being anchored in Jesus Christ, who does not change.  How are we anchored in Jesus Christ?  By daily spending time praying to God and prayerfully reading the Bible, asking God to reveal Himself to us.

In Psalm 46:10 we are told, to “Be still, and know that I am God…” (KJV). This Bible verse encourages us to look to God who is the source of our strength and who has the answers for all our problems.

Though there are many things outside of our control, as we depend on God, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us the practical things we can do. 

So as you reflect on your current situation, for each change that has occurred identify: the challenge(s) created; the solution(s) required; and what you can do now to face the challenge(s).  Then prayerfully start to put the actions into practice however small.

In the midst of uncertainty, when our focus is redirected to God, we experience assurance and comfort.

Diverted but not Distracted

‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ’  (Philippians 1:6, KJV).

In life we don’t know what important unplanned events we will face, so we always need to adopt a somewhat flexible approach. However we know that mentally this is not as easy as it sounds.

Who likes to be delayed?  Who likes to rearrange their plans? But in life, we many times face things that delay us from what we originally intended to do.  We desire stability and control of our lives, and it is not easy to accept that we don’t understand or have the answers for many things that happen around us. Delays are a reminder that we can’t predict our outcomes. Delays sometimes cause us to have to divert our attention to other things. But it is reassuring that we can depend on God who knows the future. God gives us the courage to deal with the challenges that are created from changes.

With all that has been happening these days, many people’s schedules and plans have been affected. It is a time of great uncertainty, and there are critical things to address at the current time.

Though we don’t know the future, there are still somethings that we can do now. It is important that we be responsible in how we deal with the unexpected health crisis and not add to the already difficult situation.

It is reassuring to remember that, irrespective of what we go through, God who created the world has not forgotten us.  God will finish the work that He has started in each of us.

Jesus heard the cries of Mary and Martha on behalf of their brother, Lazarus. Jesus did not forget Lazarus (John 11:1-44) and He will not forget us. Click here to hear the song Four Days Late.

Be Blessed

Embracing Identity

Sooner or later, everyone must confront the question of identity. Our level of confidence and understanding of who and whose we are affect every aspect of our lives.  This revelation can mean the difference between us living a fulfilled life or just getting by.

In Galatians 4: 6 & 7 we are told, ‘and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

What a privilege it is to be able to call God – the Creator of the universe – Father.

Years ago, one of my spiritual mentors helped me to understand the significance of being a child of God, and she shared with me the hymn, ‘I’m a child of the King’.  The words are below:

I’m a Child of the King

Once I was clothed in the rags of my sin
Wretched and poor lost and lonely within
But with wonderous compassion the King of all Kings
In pity and love took me under his wing

Oh yes, oh yes, I’m a child of the King
His royal blood now flows in my veins
And I who was wretched and poor now can sing
Praise God, Praise God, I’m a child of the King

Now I ‘m a child with a heavenly home
My Holy Father has made me His own
And I am cleansed by His blood and I’m clothed in His love
And someday I’ll sing with the angels above

Oh yes, oh yes, I’m a child of the King
His royal blood now flows in my veins
And I who was wretched and poor now can sing
Praise God, Praise God, I’m a child of the King

The hymn was written by Bro. Claude Ely.  Over the years, this hymn became like an anthem for me. 

By pondering on and taking hold of this wonderful thought, we understand more the value that God has placed on us.  Then this reality influences every decision that we make for the good. 

I like to listen to the Gaither Vocal Band’s rendition of this hymn (Click here).

So remember, you are a child of God.  Embrace your identify in Christ.

Be Blessed.

Embracing Growth

For us to move forward, we need to go through a change process and we need to grow.  At times, being prepared for any situation (including changes) starts with our frame of mind and the attitude that we adopt. Thankfully God who knows everything gives us insights into how He desires to transform our thinking to bring our thoughts in line with His thoughts, and He provides all we need to achieve the changes.

God’s Word is a precious source to help us spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, mentally, socially and physically.  In the same way a gardener understands that plants need water to thrive, we seek care and nourishment for these different facets of our being.

When there is limited rain fall, some vegetation are able to maintain a green look and also continue to grow.  The answer at times is in the root system.  If some plants get accustomed to receiving water from the surface of the ground, the roots will not be encouraged to go deeper; so if the surface water supply goes, the plant will struggle to survive.

Could it be that this can be applied to our spiritual life?  Could it be that keeping the Lord’s Word in our hearts can be liken to letting our spiritual roots go deep; so deep that in times of stress and uncertainty the spiritual reservoir would have been established deep in our minds?

As we keep God’s Word in our minds each day, in an attitude of prayer, our connection to God and our spiritual root systems will develop.

We are to seek God – the source of our strength.  Though the connection is invisible to the human eye, the connection is discerned by our spiritual eyes; spiritual eyes that are developed as we partner with God.  Let us determine to submit to God, and do the part that He has asked us to do as He continues to develop us and reconcile us to Him.

To your continued growth.

Pathway to Growth

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Each day is a gift from our Heavenly Father. The precious gems of truth contained in the Bible helps to revive us and empower us to rise above every challenge and to succeed in Christ. We may not understand how it is done, but we can be sure that our minds are changed and our steps are going in the right direction when we are under the control of the Holy Spirit.

A thankful spirit reveals the pathway to growth.   In thankfulness, continue pressing on and upward in Christ.