We Change and He Stays the Same

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Hebrews 13:8 

If I could describe 2020 and even 2021 so far in a word, I would simply say, "change". I thought of it as we drove through the small village near our home after the 2 dam breaches that caused a devastating flood of 3 towns, leaving two popular and heavily populated lakes completely drained. There is no park anymore where we used to have family reunions and took our kids to play and get ice cream. It is now  a desolate sand-covered area. There are missing houses we used to drive by where people used to be sitting on porches. There are missing businesses, and some boarded up completely, never to return. There are still trees stuck high up under the bridge that goes over where the river used to flow, water usually up over the banks at this time each year. There are no longer 4 busy ball fields, full of families, kids playing and people fishing at the dam. Whenever we drive through, I just say the same thing. "Wow. I just can't get over how much this has changed." Because all other words just escape me. And as much as the change has affected my occasional exposure, I can't even imagine all the lives that have been changed. And what I've seen the communities do with this heartbreaking tragedy has been nothing short of amazing. 

 The word "change" can represent different things to all of us, depending on our perspective. Some changes are frightening and some are exciting, but all of them require a degree of our cooperation and faith. Some changes knock us right off our feet, and even out of homes and businesses, like the people of Sanford and Wixom lakes. Some people will get right back up, as they did. But some people take one peek at change and run scared. 

Change can be a threat, as it has for some people, as not every change experienced in this past year has been a pleasant one. Some of us have realized that the pressures of the pandemic and the issues in the world surrounding it negatively changed our relationships with others. For me, I have changed the way I see social media, news media, and any kind of information source in general. My view of the world in general has changed. I have lost trust and faith in many people. But that's not such a bad thing, I don't think. It has resulted in a stronger trust and faith in God. I have found strength and trust in myself and I have become closer to my some of my family members, in spite of our strict  following of the distancing recommendations. Having my husband home working was a huge change for us both, but we eventually figured out how to carve out space for us both, and we have enjoyed the extra time together. As I learned from losing a brother in law at 58 and a brother at 50, any extra time together is an appreciated bonus. 

 People have been known to say that the old pair of slippers always feels best, the favorite chair is the most comfortable, and if everything would just stay the same, life would just be so much easier. It's just easier to live in our little bubble of familiar, isn't it? It can be for awhile, but we all know that slippers and chairs wear out, bubbles pop, and nothing ever stays the same-including us. Change can be upsetting because it sometimes requires us to face something unpleasant or take action. I've gained a bit of "extra me" during this time of world change, and I've had to adapt the way I eat and move. It's not fun giving up the things I enjoy, but I'm finding new things I like to eat, and moving my body is giving me new changes-strength, for one! I used to pound out as many push-ups as my age number. (insert loud HAH laughter here) Now I'm lucky to make it through 25 without calling 911, however it is on speed dial.  When you refuse to change, especially when you know it's required in order to improve, you're only denying yourself the chance to let change work for your good and enjoy the success that your efforts can bring!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called, according to his purpose. 

Romans 8:28 

Something change does is it kind of takes the wheel out of our hands for awhile. I can't and won't speak for those who have lost spouses or children, but I have lost a parent and a brother, and it changes you. How can it not? But something I learned is that I can take the things my dad taught me and use them to make me stronger.  I can feel his spirit and recall his memory and brighten my life instead of wearing a heavy cloud of sadness. It doesn't mean I don't miss him, because I certainly do. But if God is working for our good, then he will bring us good things throughout the hard times where we are grieving too. I am reminded every day of the beautiful home where my dad now lives with Jesus, and it gives me peace. That is the work of God, who has been helping me through this most difficult change in my life so far. 

The good news is, even though we are not in control of most change, God is. He knows about all the unexpected challenges we will face. Even the ones we created ourselves. We can either choose to panic in the face of change, or we can choose to trust God for the outcome. I have always been in awe of the person who is facing a great challenge or even a tragedy, and in the midst of the storm, they say, "I'm trusting God." And isn't that what we as believers are supposed to be doing? If we really believe in Him and trust Him for everything else, then why wouldn't we trust Him even more when our world seems to be falling apart? 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

If we depend on him for the "humdrum daily", then we should certainly count on Him during changes. Good changes, like new jobs, new relationships, a move to a new city, etc. And more difficult changes, like a pandemic, floods, a sickness, a loss of a loved one, marital issues, and complications on every level. He is there. 

Some changes require attention. We resist change sometimes because it makes us fearful. We are fearful of unknown things because we are relying on ourselves and not trusting God. And we are either that fearful person or we know someone who just refuses to change anything even though they are miserable about everything! They don't like their weight but they won't eat better or try exercise. They are sick but won't see a doctor, follow wise advice, take the right supplements, eat well, or a host of other things they need to do to be healthy. They are in an unhealthy relationship and complain about it constantly, but won't do anything to repair themselves or the relationship, or leave if necessary. They hate their job, their living arrangements, their whatever and whoever, but they just. won't. change. anything.  They stay stuck and paralyzed, seemingly comfortable in their discomfort, and are way too willing to continue to live in a very unfulfilling, unchangeable life. Lots of things can keep a person stuck, but one thing can get us un-stuck-a complete reliance on God, who can help us make changes in every area of our lives if we trust Him to help us. Even the person who is most fearful of change can change with God's help! 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 

2 Corinthians 5:17 

What does it look like to trust God when we either need to make changes, or trust Him in the midst of many confusing or overwhelming changes? It starts with prayer and a simple ask for help. When we involve Him in plans that line up with His will for us, whatever we are hoping to achieve will become doable with His strength. He enables us to cope with unexpected changes, make changes that are hard to make, and the best outcome is bringing God the glory with everything we do. With God's perfect help and plan, there is no change on this earth that we can't handle.