I love the season of Autumn! After nearly four years of living in a region that actually has four seasons, I can say that I love the season of “Fall” best of all. It is a season where change is striking in its beauty. I enjoy watching the trees in the forests that surround us change color from vibrant greens to hues of red and gold. But I must admit that the one change I could do without, is when those beautiful leaves fall to the ground and the trees stand barren throughout winter. Autumn reminds me of life. Changes happen – some beautiful - some of it hard to pass through – but at the end of it – in the new season - something beautiful springs forth.
Many people fear change and try desperately to avoid it. Fear of change often stems from worries about losing control over life circumstances. But God never intended His children to be “in control” of their own lives. So, trying to control everything and everyone around you is a vain pursuit.
Living a life that is fully surrendered to Christ means that you have chosen to follow His leading and you are willing to trust Him with all the details of your life. And I promise you – CHANGE – will be involved. God brings us into maturity through a series of changes throughout our lives that we must both face and embrace.
The good news is that God has promised that He will cause “all things” to work together for our good. That includes all types of changes that we confront in our lives – change of jobs, schools, friends, finances, living situations and even those things we never imagined would change.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NASB
It takes faith and courage to embrace change, but God will supply both if we are willing to receive His help. I have great admiration for our three Treasures of Africa KIDZ in Tanzania who are from the Maasai tribe. All three grew up in traditional Maasai mud huts and they are currently pursuing college degrees. They are the first of their families to ever go to college or live in the city! The uncomfortable and unfamiliar changes they have had to face and embrace are mindboggling. Difficult as it has been for them, something beautiful is springing forth in their lives.
There is change happening right now that may be deeply troubling you. But if you can embrace the promise (by faith) that God will cause all things to work together for good in your life – you will see something beautiful spring forth. And it will be worth waiting for!
Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing
Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 AMP