Change

"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

     Change, I hate it.  Never been a fan. Never want it to happen.  Change happens whether we like it or not. There have been so many changes over my lifetime starting at age 20.  Prior to that, things didn't change.  We lived in the same house, went to the same school, saw the same people.  But at age 20 things changed.  I got married.  I moved to another state 500 miles away.  I wasn't taking college classes anymore.  I was in a strange place where I knew no one. Eight moves in twelve years, 2 kids, taking classes again, getting a full-time job, things changing constantly and quickly.  Now, 39 years later, things are still changing.  The kids are grown, there are three grandchildren, husband's semi-retired, I am retired, between jobs maybe, and struggling with the change.  But through it all, one thing has never changed.  Jesus has been there.

      Jesus never changes.  Malachi 3:6 states that succinctly,  "For I the Lord do not change.".  There is nothing wishy-washy in that statement.   Plain and simply put, the Lord doesn't change.  We change all the time.  We change our clothes, our hairstyles, our homes, our furniture, our jobs, something is always changing with us.  But we can count on the Lord to never change.  He is still all knowing, all powerful, loving, compassionate, and merciful.  No matter our circumstances or our sin, He is still there and is still God.  He is still watching over us as He always has.  

      What has changed?  I have.  My heart has changed over the years to desire to be closer to the will of God.  I want to walk where He leads.  I want to see what He wants me to see.  As the changes of the seasons, so am I in change.  I am going from a job I loved to an unknown course.  I am trusting in the Lord to guide me through this change.  Although I hate change, I am trusting the One who knows the way through the brambles of this path.  I can't see the way.  I can't get past today. My eyes are clouded by the tears of uncertainty and sorrow. But, I am thankful that God is leading and paving the way through this change.  He knows my heart.  He knows my desire even when I am no longer sure.  Change is good.  Change helps us to grow. Change leads us into the arms of Jesus.  As we go through this life of change, we can rest assured that God is in control of it all.  His ultimate outcome is for all to know Him.  Keep praying through the change.  Keep firm in knowing that God has it all in His hands.

 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever."

Hebrews 13:8