Are we supposed to stay in the same place, or do the same thing forever? Same house, same city, same job, same routine? I believe the answer is no… With change comes growth (if we will allow it) and growth is what our Heavenly Father desires for each one of us.
Change can be positive (e.g. getting a promotion), or negative (e.g. job loss). It can be internal or external. Internal change occurs when we receive inner healing, or when our hearts change in response to revelation from the Lord. External change occurs when there is a physical change in either our bodies or environments. In this article we will deal with external change.
We often resist change because we fear the unknown. Not many I know like or welcome the idea of change because it’s uncomfortable and often brings with it uncertainty… Will my new job be everything that I expect it to be? Will I fit in at my new church? Will my new neighbours be friendly? etc. But, when the winds of change begin to blow, that is when we need to put our trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths).
God has a plan and purpose for each one of us (Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”) but stepping into that plan and purpose often requires change. Because change is a place of transformation, it brings with it challenges and when we face and tackle those challenges, that is when we grow and transform. But if we resist change and stay in the same place forever, we can’t grow or step into our purpose.
If you are going through a difficult time because of change, below are a couple of points that may help you
1. Change can bring excitement or anxiety, or sometimes both. We can be excited about moving into a new apartment or anxious about the first day on a job, for example. If a particular change is causing fear or anxiety, bring it before the Lord. Ask Him for wisdom, guidance, strength and courage to deal with that change. Below are some scriptures to remember and recite when we are feeling anxious:
– Philippians 4:6-8 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
– Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.
– Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God
2. When change is negative, it can bring with it upheaval, discomfort, discouragement and uncertainty. When we experience this, we need to stand on the promises of Abba, because that is what will sustain us. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Joseph was someone familiar with change having gone from favourite son to slave, to head servant to prison to prince. As a seventeen-year-old, he received a promise from God through two dreams (Genesis 37:5-9), but that promise was only fulfilled many years later following a multitude of changes that tried Joseph’s faith and built his character. Remember the promises that Abba has made to you.
3. When change is negative, we often say negative things, but we must remember that Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). We must therefore continue to speak life even in the face of disappointment or discouragement.
4. When that change is a new season in life, ask the Lord to bless the season ahead, speak blessings, and declare scriptures over the season. Some scriptures to speak over a new season can include:
– Ephesians 3:20 – Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us
– 1 Corinthians 2:9 – But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
– Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose
5. Change often brings new people into our lives and new relationships are formed. Pray over those relationships and ask the Lord to bless them. People can also leave our lives in times of change. In such cases, we must remember that we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20 – Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ…) and instead of getting angry with, and saying bad things about these people, we should bless and release them.