“There are two constants in life: #1, God never changes. #2, We do change.”
– Dr. Randy Carlson
- Accept it. We live in a time when people defy change. We don’ want to accept the fact we are changing. But from the time of conception to our dying breath, all things change.
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12)
- Expect Stress from it. Change creates stress in our bodies; it creates stress in our lives.
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22)
- Anticipate it. Be ready because change is coming. You can read the signs of the times and know something is coming.
“If the sky is red in the evening, you say the weather will be good. But if the sky is red and gloomy in the morning, you say it is going to rain. You can tell what the weather will be like by looking at the sky. But you don’t understand what is happening now.” (Matthew 16:2-3)
- Heartiness will help you survive it. One can face change and come out stronger; another will face change and come out weaker.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
- Measure it. Like the scale in your home, use a journal to help you measure the change you’ve gone through.
“When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction.” (Proverbs 24:31)
- Learn from Others. How have others succeeded or failed as they faced changes? (e.g. – Biblical characters)
“My friends, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They were patient, even when they had to suffer. In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind.” (James 5:10-11)
- Look forward beyond it. You’re in the process of change, but you’ve become stuck. Know that there’s life beyond the change.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
- Learn while going through it. If you rush through it, you will not learn from it. Ask God, “what can I learn from this change?”
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)
- Don’t Ignore it. If you ignore change, you do so at your own peril. Analyze what you’re going through.
“You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it.” (Proverbs15:32)
- Trust God. Regardless of the change, always trust God.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
© 2016 by Randy Carlson
