Like most people, I like predictability. Change can mean stepping into the unknown and losing my comfortable routine, and that’s frightening.
It also means I have to give up some control. That’s scary too. Even when you prepare as well as you can, there are so many factors involved that you just can’t control them all.
“Change always comes bearing gifts,” wrote Price Pritchett, but I’m sure we’ve all sometimes wondered if those gifts were worth it, and if it might not be better—easier—to forgo them instead of having to deal with the discomfort of change. Then again, we often don’t have a choice; changes have a way of coming upon us whether we want them or not.
One thing I’ve experienced recently, though, is that change is so much easier to go through with God than on our own!
God knows all things, including the future. He can prepare us in ways we couldn’t prepare ourselves, and He works all things together for our good. 1 He’s never surprised by the bend in the road or the turn of events, and He is able to guide and equip us for what’s ahead, even if we don’t recognize what’s happening at the time.
God is in control. Knowing that the being who created us and will fulfill His purpose for us 2 is on our side can be just the shot of confidence we need in order to face whatever happens. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” 3
Perhaps one of the most important realizations God leads us to in times of change is His unconditional love for each of us. When change is difficult, scary, or hurts, He remains by our side. His love never wavers, and He wants only the best for us. Even though we go through innumerable changes and experiences that shape and ultimately modify our character, He remains constant, supportive, and ever dependable. He’s the best friend we could have … and that’s one thing that’s not going to change: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” 4