Change
How do you view change?
Is it something that you look forward to, or does it give you hives? For me, it usually depends on what it is. I love travel, so if it involves a new place, I am usually up for that adventure. If it’s something more every day, I tend to get anxious.
There is a certain degree of freedom and beauty in change, but then again, there is a comfort and sense of safety in familiarity.
When I was going on any of my work trips or to study abroad, I welcomed these opportunities with open arms, however, when I was changing my daily routine for whatever reason, I felt a ball of fear well up in my stomach. Putting it plain and simple, those changes scared me, because I simply had no idea if I would like the ‘newness’. Instead of trusting God with these new situations, I would often worry or even pray and hope to escape them.
This verse was a good place to start in my heart.
‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10).
Change is constant?
The term ‘Change is constant’ always hit me as an oxymoron. How could ‘change’ (making something different/transform) be constant (not changing or varying/steadfast)? But it is true. We grow, develop, move, die, evolve…all of those things happen to us in life.
It is smart to say we should adapt a healthy mindset around change as there is no living without it. Therefore, in my reality of constant change, I grew up from a child and became a woman. I matriculated through high school and university to start a career. I was single, then got married.
I certainly did enjoy, though, moving in my career. Those changes I would welcome with enthusiasm. What I probably was more apprehensive about, is the slight changes within those careers, not immediately realising how necessary they were to the overall plan.
I moved through a few departments/assignments at two jobs and that was quite a lot of adjustments. In the latter job, each move required more learning and preparation, most of which was heuristic (what you call self-taught). Those are sometimes the hardest ladders to climb, but the most rewarding as you learn the task inside out.
His ways are not our ways
My current job was a big move. It was similar to my last job, but still different in many ways. There would be adjustments and changes that I had to navigate along the way. I truly had to trust God completely with this new season of my life.
I got used to where I was, and then was told that we physically had to move.
This state of not knowing lasted almost a year and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was freaking out at the thought of upending my comfort zone. I loved where I was and again, instead of embracing the change immediately, I prayed hoping things would not change.
Eventually my prayers changed to, God I trust whatever you have in store for me. ‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.’ (Psalms chapter 56 verse 3).
Eventually I was made aware of where I would be going, and it took me some time to truly see this new location for its advantages and beauty. It had potential and made sense in the end. I thought where I was, was the ultimate location and the best, but God soon revealed that he always has better in store.
How many times have we held on to the familiar not knowing that God has something better suited for us down the road? If we are living for God, we must trust his guidance, even when we can’t see or understand. Hebrews chapter 11 verse 6 reminds us.
‘And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.’
That last part is comforting…that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. Some translations have the word ‘diligently’ in the verse.
I thought to myself, here I was stressed out about something so simple, holding on to the familiar, when God had better for me. As Scripture says, 'Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame (Romans Chapter10 verse 11).
I can take each of these situations as reminders that I can trust God and his choices for me. The weird thing about us humans is that we go through these rewarding experiences and when faced with a similar situation of change, we fall right back in that same cycle of fear.
It's always better than we imagined
I would suggest that a good practice in this journey is to remember the things that God has done for you. Keep a record and reminisce on them when you face change and feel fearful.
Remember that he causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose, and therefore even if it doesn’t feel good or seem that straight forward in the beginning, he is faithful and we can trust him.