Coping with Change

We are told not to fear.

We are told never to worry.

Philippians 4:6 (NET) - Do  not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.

I am finding this passage of scripture a wonderful source of strength right now.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I find that some things in my life could radically change by things completely outside my realm of control.

While the outcome is anything but certain to me, I will not fear nor will I be anxious.

As a Christian, I know that God is in complete control and His will shall prevail.

If these changes take place, there are at least three possible outcomes.

Things can be better than they were before.

Things can stay more or less the same.

Finally, there is the very real possibility that I could be presented with a whole new set of problems and challenges with which to contend.

No matter which of these outcomes materialize, I know that I will not face it alone.

God will continue to be with me as He is now.

Although I am not apprehensive, I will hope for the best and plan for the worst.

After all, effective planning and stewardship go hand in hand.

Scripture reminds me to pray, but even in this I must exercise good judgment.

God is not there merely to grant me wishes.

I must pray for His will to be done and for helping me to accept and effectively deal with the outcome.

People, as a rule, do not like change.

We prefer our lives to be more or less predictable.

Yet there will be times when turbulence upsets our predictable lives.

It is during those times that we must truly rely on God rather than our own sense of self reliance and self worth.

That is when real change takes place because that is when we change.

As I face this unknown, others will be counting on me.

The people at the church I attend, the students in my Sunday School class and my coworkers will continue to count on me during this phase.

As a believer, God helps me to direct their attentions toward Him by how I choose to respond.

Proverbs 27:17 (NET) - As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend.

I can remind them of His presence during periods of uncertainty.

I can also remind them that if God chooses to close one avenue, He will open another.

Having faith does not mean that life ceases to be challenging.

Having faith means knowing to Whom to turn when challenges come.

It also means being a source of strength to those around you by putting their needs ahead of your own.


Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The  Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 6, 2013.
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I’ll be back here on Friday, December 13, 2013.