CHANGE

Typically, I’m the kind of person who sticks with what they know. If I’m going to a restaurant, I’ll make sure I order something that I like. If I’m going somewhere, I like to wear something comfortable. But lately, I’ve been a little adventurous... I’ve been trying new things. For example, today I tried a lavender latte for the first time. Ooh so rebellious (lol). My go-to is a cappuccino, but I thought to myself, hey, what the heck, why not try something new? And I did. And it was wonderful. And it was delicious. And it was worth it.

I think it’s time to come to the realization that change is normal. Change is necessary. Change means faith is required and very necessary. Faith is believing without seeing. Faith is saying, “God, I trust You. I don’t know where I’m going. I just know that I’m following You.” And, I think you’ll find that God likes to change it up a little on you, too.

I know my example of trying new coffee may seem a little far-fetched. But here’s the thing: you can plan life as much as you want, but it’s not all going to happen how you think it will. In fact, I know it won’t. (Proverbs 16:9 says “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”) So, instead of being frustrated and agitated that things aren’t going your way, why not just surrender it all to Him, the God Who has your best intentions, the very best for you in mind, and is the One determining your steps? Give your plans to the God Who says: “Let go of control. Trust Me. I’ve got you during the change and the trials and the storm. It’s going to be okay.”

Life is a beautiful adventure with Jesus. Change and adversity is normal, in fact, it should be expected. But He is constant and He is good. Take His Word for it.

Embrace change, and see how much more fun the unexpected is when you live life fully for Him.

•••

You know, I had this whole post prepared and typed out about how change is good and necessary and that all we need to do is trust in the Lord and that it’s going to be okay. This, yes, is true.

But, I’m going to be honest. Change is hard. It’s so hard. And, I want to apologize and take a moment to empathize with you. Change is difficult and by me just saying “it’s all going to be okay” may give a little comfort. Yet, my word alone isn’t all the comfort you need. In fact, I know it won’t be enough. But I pray that this word of comfort points you toward the real Comforter in times of struggle, change, and difficulty....

...when you’re just trying to understand - what the heck is going on?

Why do I want to run away so much?

Why do I never feel like I am enough?

Why is it that I try so hard to move forward but feel as stuck as a truck in the mud?

Why am I so surrounded by people and yet feel alone?

This storm persistently spinning me around and around, and yet, I’m just supposed to just "be okay" and know that God is good?

...All these questions - critical questions that can lead to dangerous emotions and feelings. It’s in these times that we feel like we’re stuck in the middle of a dark forest with all these different trails that lead to darker paths, and we don’t know which one to take. Stress paralyzed. Peace feels so far away. Patience is wearing thin, and contentment feels forced.

Am I okay? I ask myself. At the moment, not really, because change is difficult. This isn’t the time to try to pull up your bootstraps and trudge forward in your own strength - you’ll never make it. No, this is the time to be still. This is the the time to know — truly know— that He is God. This is the time to remember that there is an enemy trying to steal, kill, and destroy you, and he is attacking you with everything he’s got. He’s the peace-thief and is sly, specialized in stealth, manipulation, and guilt. One drop of discontentment and disappointment at a time. “Sure, you’re okay. For now.” Until suddenly, the bucket tips, and you’re not.

This is when we be still. This is when the word “steadfast” becomes reality.

steadfast: resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

Isaiah 26:3-4 says:

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

Hold on tightly. Don't let go. Make firm your faith in the Lord, because standing on His Word is a foundation that is rock-solid and eternally faithful.

We need Jesus every single day.

So, I’m sorry for almost telling you it’s going to be okay without empathy. It’s hard. Change is different and difficult; but, change means coming out on the other side different than before. You have to know that there is hope. There is a way out on the other side of the cave you feel you're in.

If you’re in the dark, Jesus is the Light of the world.

If you’re lost, Jesus is the Way.

If you’re believing lies, Jesus is the Truth.

If you’re feeling dead inside, Jesus is the Resurrection and Life.

If you’re anxious or worried about anything, Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

If you’re alone, He is the Comforter.

If you’re being attacked, He is your Strength, Defender, Fortress, and Refuge - Faithful and True - the Warrior King.

If you’re stuck, Jesus is Immanuel, meeting you right where you’re are because He is “here with us.”

God is Love, and He saves.

- a lavender latte -