Change
…I am going away to make ready a place for you. John 14:2, ESV
In the passage above, Jesus tells the disciples that He is leaving, and they cannot go with Him to where He is going. The disciples had given up everything—their families, their businesses—to follow Jesus. Now, Jesus was telling them He would no longer be with them physically. The disciples were shocked, saddened, and uncertain about what they would do next. Change was upon them, and they didn’t feel prepared for what lay ahead.
I remember when our daughter had our first grandson. We were all so excited, but I had no idea how much his arrival would change our lives. I thought we would simply enjoy all the fun and wonderful moments with him, but I didn’t expect my schedule to change so dramatically. To my surprise, I found myself traveling up to four hours, three times a week, to help babysit our grandson.
When the nanny our daughter and son-in-law had hired decided to take another job at the last minute, they were left in a bind. My husband and I, along with her mother-in-law, stepped in to help as temporary nannies. I was grateful that we were self-employed and had the flexibility to adjust our schedules, but it was definitely a significant change.
There are times when we can anticipate change and prepare our hearts for it. But there are also times when God unexpectedly redirects our lives without warning. I was reminded of King David when his son Absalom took over his kingdom. David had no warning and had to leave his kingdom immediately. What stood out to me most was David’s heart in the situation. When the Ark of God was about to be carried out with him, David said:
“Take the Ark of God back into the city. If ·the Lord is pleased with me [I find favor in the Lord’s sight/eyes], he will bring me back and will let me see both it and·Jerusalem [ its dwelling place/tent/Tabernacle] again. But if the Lord says ·he is not pleased with me [ “I take no delight in you”], ·I am ready [here I am]. He can do ·what he wants with me [to me what is good in his sight/eyes].”’ 2 Samuel 15:25-26, EXB
When we understand who we belong to and who is ultimately in control of our lives, we can surrender to whatever circumstances come our way. I learned this during the many hours I spent driving (when my husband couldn’t join me) to my daughter’s home. In that time, God drew me closer to Him. I cherished the discussions we had, the Bible teachings I absorbed, and the prayers that rose up in my spirit. God placed me in a personal classroom with no distractions, just the two of us. The time I spent with my grandson was also incredibly special. I shared scriptures with him, read stories, prayed prayers, sat in the park, took stroller walks, and did so many things I never imagined I would get to do. Those memories are treasures forever etched in my heart.
God brought about a change in our lives that, at first, felt inconvenient and disruptive. But it turned out to be a tremendous blessing—one we would gladly repeat if He directed us to do so. Change can be uncomfortable, but when we approach it with a surrendered heart, we can receive all that God has for us.
Key points:
Change is necessary.
God is always in control
Do not fight the change but trust the one who is in control.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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