I have a notion that most of us like change. That is — we like it when it’s our idea. When we handpick the who, what, when, and where of change, it feels fresh and exciting. We wear it like a new outfit from the store, the kind we’ve had our eye on for a while but only recently purchased because of a helpful price markdown. That’s the kind of change that makes us want to twirl in front of the mirror.
But then there’s the kind of change that is not your idea, and it comes like a fountain pen leaking all over that new outfit. You stop twirling and start panicking, thoughts swirling in your mind:
“No! I want it the way it was before!”
“This will not do!”
“How can I fix this?”
All too often, difficult change brings a truckload of sorrow well beyond a fountain pen to a dress.
At those times, change feels more like someone took a pair of scissors to your dress, or rather a pair of scissors to your heart.
Joseph of the Old Testament, a man whose story has more twists and turns than a Six Flags roller coaster, knew a thing or two about this kind of change. One of twelve sons born to Jacob, Joseph was the not-so-fair-haired golden boy favorite son. As told in Genesis 37, Joseph liked to use his VIP status to cause trouble. Whether recounting his dreams that placed him in a superior position over his brothers or showing off elaborate clothing he received from his dad, his actions fueled the fires of jealousy with his competitive brothers.
It didn’t take long for his siblings to get sick and tired of Joseph and his arrogant behavior. Wanting to silence Joseph once and for all, they discussed killing him but settled instead on throwing him into an empty cistern. Ignoring Joseph’s cries of protest, his brothers eventually sold him to merchants passing through the area on their way to Egypt.
Talk about your transformations. Joseph found himself thrown into circumstances testing the furthest limits of change. Golden son to unknown kid. Favorable position to detestable situation. Wealthy family member to penniless servant slave. Best-dressed winner to worst-dressed loser. He may have started out in a literal pit, but he was thrown into a symbolic one much deeper and darker than he could have imagined.
What about you? Where are the furthest limits your own change has thrown you? Deep debt? Deep despair? Unimaginable loneliness? Did you cry out, beg for help, only to hear the rush of wind blowing in the trees? Did you recount a poor decision or two you made that might have contributed to the change? Did you feel utterly abandoned?
Hold on to Joseph’s story, which is lavish with hope.
You see, while Joseph began his time in Egypt as a slave, he ended it as Pharaoh’s right hand man.
Years after being thrown into the cistern, he could see that what God planned was to throw him into the chief role as the saving grace of Egypt — and as the saving grace of the same family who ignored his cries. Joseph’s family may have been absent in his time of need, but Joseph could see God was always present.
Joseph could see how God used change to rewrite his story for the better.
No, the story doesn’t end low in a pit for Joseph. It doesn’t end with him enslaved to unwelcome change.
And you know what? It won’t end there for you either.
When your outside circumstances change — either drastically like Joseph’s or in a less dramatic fashion — your story will not end there. It won’t end in devastation but redemption. Believe that the God who changed Joseph’s pit of despair to a mountaintop of deliverance has in mind to do the exact same thing with your own.
No, this difficult change is not the end.
God’s grace and goodness are.
Together, may we gather hope as we listen, learn, and believe.
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Going through a difficult life change? Let Kristen Strong’s just-released-book, Girl Meets Change, meet you at the crossroads of your own sense of anxiety with God’s sense of purpose.
And today you could win a free copy! Simply complete the entry requirements in the giveaway widget (email subscribers please click here) and five of you will win a free copy of Kristen’s beautiful and encouraging Girl Meets Change.
Leave a Comment
Whitney Haller says
I would love to win because my recent divorce rocked my work and threw the biggest change possible. I love this message, and would love to read the book!
Marianne says
Yes I made the wrong decision and that has made a painful change in my life. Always looking for a God boost.
Jenn says
Going through a big change, moving to a different state.
Stephanie_Stroud says
Change has been my season for the last few years. I’ve had to get used to things not always being the same. Lately, the changes have been better and easier to handle. Change is something that is always in life it just depends on how you react to it. I would love to read this book and embrace change a little bit more in my life 🙂
eunice b says
Change…has been something that doesn’t come easy to me, but it’s been a huge part of my life, and more recently, moving to a new state, starting a new family business…my dear husband says the only things that haven’t changed are his God & his wife!
Tina says
We have been in a season of change , and it feels like a long time. Sometimes my perspective becomes skewed. I would like to change inside, in hope that something good can come out of all of this. Thank you, Kristen, for blogging, and for writing this book. I appreciate you taking the time to do that. And to do this. Much love to you, and yours… ,
Tina
Tristi Carlson says
I feel like change is something I am constantly fighting. I don’t like change. I like it when things are the same and I feel like I am somewhat in control. This current season is one that God appears to be changing me. I’m doing my best to lean into it. Curious if this book is going to be a tool to aid that process.
DA Schuhow says
I already have this book, and highly recommend it to anyone who hates change.
Jessica Lynn says
In them midst of change/transition in our home as all my kids are now in school and I am working to be sure what I am filling my time with is the work God has for me to do today!
Sarah M says
I’ve always loved the story of Joseph and how faithful he was during the most outlandish wait periods (prison? left to die by his family?). Change has been what has defined our prior 3 years. This year, I’m in recovery.
Leah says
I’m currently in a season of change, so I would love to read this book! The part of this post that challenged me the most was “This is not the end.” There is always hope!
Kim j says
I would love to read this book!! I have been in a very long season of loss and change and I need encouragement so badly.
Beth Williams says
Kim,
So sorry for all the losses in your life! May God bring peace & contentment to you mind, body and soul!! I pray for a time of resting and quiet with Him!
(((hugs)))
Cindy R says
I think it would be awesome to read this book because I am in the season of life where my kids are becoming adults now and that is a huge change!
Marla L. says
Use to think change didn’t bother me, but it does. Would love to read this book.
Tania Page Capo says
I’d like to win a free copy as there are two constants in my life right now: God and my husband. We are embarking on a new season of life. With a year and half of marriage under our belts, we’re moving away and both starting new careers. I know that your book would be both a blessing to both of us. I appreciate the opportunity to enter. Blessed be.
Christi says
Would love to read this book 🙂 great reminders in this article, thank you!
Natasha says
I am in a season of change- new city, new job, new phase of my life, and even though I chose most of it it has not been easy! And there has been unexpected change with a family member (actually quite a few) so that has been challenging. Thank you for the reminder that god can use change to rewrite a better story in my life!
Rebecca Jones says
I love the story of Joseph, it has a lot of parallels to things going on in many of our lives. You don’t have to share all your “God given dreams” right away, “brothers” can be cruel. But God never forgets us! Whatever hole we are in today, can be turned around quickly.
Sarah Linder says
I’ve never been good at change, but I’m excited to see what this new book has to say about it!
Kathy Wallace says
I need to change my frame of mind due to an illness that is causing stress.
Joy Dara says
Awesome post. Thanks for the reminder!! The same God who helped Joseph, is still in the business of restoration no matter what kind of pit we are in!!
sunny says
Sounds like a great book!
Paula Lloyd says
I am in a phase that I am so tired of being alone, I have been divorced for 8 years now, my son is 10 and he is growing, oh is he growing and I find myself alone. And well, it’s lonely and I find myself sad and just not like myself at all.
Beth Williams says
Paula
Prayers for you and your son! May God bring male mentors for your son!!! I pray for a sense of peace to come over you mind, body and soul! May God take away the loneliness and bring friends into your life!
((((Hugs))))
Janessa Mills says
Honestly, what this post left me with is a sense a faith. Knowing that God has a greater plan for me than what I even understand at this current moment is truly amazing. it is such a blessing to have such a God that “has my back” more than any other creature could.
jld12381 says
This would be an awesome book for me to read right now as I am 26 days away from getting married and becoming a stepmom
RJ says
I had a very unexpected move that happened suddenly..three years later, it has been good for us!
Crystal Wooten says
I so need this book! Change is soooo hard for me. I need to make some changes but I often let fear control me.
Danelle says
Yes, in the pit. I can relate to this story much more than I would like to admit to. Could certainly use the words of encouragement from this book. Listening to someone who has come out on the other side brings hope.
cindy says
Love/hate relationship with change! I was encouraged by this short article and look forward to reading more.
Sarah says
I am leaving an amazing ministry position and unsure what God has for me next. I am slow to embrace change, even when I know the Lord is with me.
oonalee says
I struggle with change…. but I know that often change equals growth. *sigh* 😉
I need to read this book!
Kechell Jackson says
I would like to win because I am going through a shift right now and I could use the extra encouagement.
Erin Martin Leyen says
Yes! Losing all my children plus a debilitating chronic illness that took away many abilities and the job I loved would have destroyed me had it not been for God’s grace and goodness. HIS plan for me is greater!
Laurel Wycoff says
As a divorced mom of 5, trying to start a homebased business and go back to school, I’m looking to make some major changes in my life
Beth Williams says
Laurel,
Prayers for strength to make it through each day! Being a single mom is tough–much less 5 youngsters! May God bless you and give you the courage, strength and endurance to continue on in this race!! May your home business boom and your schooling go well!
(((((Hugs)))))
Kaitlyn says
So excited for Kristen’s book! Although I have an advanced copy, I have so many friends who would be blessed by this gift.
Cathy says
I prayed for a “rewind” when my husband died suddenly.
Marisa P says
Change is something we are always facing. I just graduated college, moved to a new city, started a new and first job, and am working night shift. It’s hard, it can be lonely, and it can be challenging. Trying to branch out, meet people and make friends, all while learning to be an “adult” on my own in a place where I don’t know many. I trust that God has a plan for this time and that it will be part of my journey, and time of growth.
D. McGowan says
Change is my life recently. Would really rather be done with it for a while. A girl can only take so much you know.
Beth Williams says
Kristen,
Change has been in my life these past few years! Moved aging dad into assisted living. He had multiple medical issues causing stress at work (more than normal)!! Work changed for the worse for me & I ended up quitting my job! Hubby , (CT Tech), worked at 3 different locations last year for same company. Next week he will start at yet another location differing hours. So much change and neither of us likes it much! We much prefer rut!!!
Cindy Kempert says
I would love to read her book because I’m in the very throes of change and could use some help!! Post-cancer, over fifty with an eight-year old adopted daughter, and also an incredibly supportive husband. Trying to embrace this season and desire to know how to adapt through all the changes. Sounds like a great book for a small group.
The blog reaches to the depths of my need so many days. Thank you for sharing your days in writing.
God’s blessings!
Tonie Babin says
Experiencing Empty Nest has been a roller coaster of emotions. Learning to glorify God – even at my lowest moment – has been my biggest challenge. I would love to read to the book because I am constantly looking for fresh insight on how to navigate these waters.
Jennifer D. says
I would love to read this book because I daily deal with change. I’ve never thought I dealt with it well. I would love to hear what Kristen has to say!
Krista Dowdey says
This year we adopted a 5 and 4 yr olds from foster care – going from a family of 3 to a family of 5. Even 8 months in (since our new son and daughter moved in), the aftershocks of this change continue rumble, sometimes in unexpected places.
Keely says
Our family has faced a lot of change already this year and have a move to a new city coming up. I would love Kristen’s words and wisdom to accompany me!
KristenStrong says
Praying for you, Keely, as you navigate so much change. xo
holly says
I would love to see encouraging stories of how God used change that seemed hard or difficult and brought good from them. I would love to win this book!
Patrice Gay says
Change is inevitable in all our lives but so many women I know struggle with it, fear it and resist it. I would love to share this book with my friends to help them grow in their trust of our Lord.
KristenStrong says
What a blessing you are to your friends, Patrice. Thankful for you!
Patrice Gay says
Praying your words will help inspire me to get the message to them. We must remember that all life is God’s plan. When the going gets tough, it is easier to lean into Him than to pull away.
Julie says
I’m days away from one of the happiest changes – the birth of our long-prayed-for baby! This new season will bring joyous, exhausting, exciting, overwhelming changes to both my and my husband’s lives. I’d love to read the book through it all!
KristenStrong says
Congratulations, Julie!
Kim Vivlamore Waguespack says
I really enjoyed the lesson about the changes in Joseph’s life…the fall from the top was God’s plan to bring God glory through Joseph in the end. I am intrigued by the idea that God making changes in my life will being Him glory. I would love to win this book to help me trust Him on this journey.
KristenStrong says
I have found so much comfort and peace in Joseph’s story. Thankful for you, Kim!
Brad N Brandy Milton says
Going thru changes with my health and mentally… Looking for something to guide me thru…
KristenStrong says
It’s my hope and prayer this book helps you do just that, Brandy. Much love.
Kimberly Jooyan says
I made the decision to get a divorce over 10 years ago. I thought that it was the right thing to do. I struggle with all the changes that it’s brought my family. I really need help,
Thats why I’d like to read the book
Kimberly jooyan
KristenStrong says
Whether through Girl Meets Change or through some other tool, I pray you are able to feel your burden lightened. You are wildly loved, Kimberly!
Olivia Hoffman says
Thank you for this beautiful truth today Kristin! Looking forward to reading your book!
KristenStrong says
Thank you, Olivia!
Pam Hunter says
Thank you for the opportunity to win. I am going through several big changes right now and would love to read Kristen’s book. Good luck to everybody!
Cora says
About to move to China with my family, and preparing for some big changes. Feels like a perfect time for a read like this. 🙂
KristenStrong says
Wow–HUGE change. Praying for you, Cora!
Tracy McIntosh says
There is so much change going on for me, especially at work….I have been miserable. The thought of changing my perspective is actually refreshing. Could the change in my life that feels so much like a curse really be a blessing?!?
KristenStrong says
Tracy, I humbly propose that it could–even though it’s hard to see how. Praying for you, dear one. I know that miserable feeling all too well. Much love.
Destiny says
This books sounds amazing! My daughter jus started middle school this year… And that’s a big change… There are lots of things changing in my life… Some people can see and lots people may not realize but me… God is changing me .. And this book just sounds perfect for where I am in my life right now!
KristenStrong says
High five to you, Destiny, because my daughter started middle school this year, too. And you’re right–that *is* a big change.
Much love to you!
Jeanine Quinnell says
I could use a whole lotta help with dealing with change. This sounds like a great book!
KristenStrong says
Me too–hence why I wrote the book. Ha! May God bless and keep you, Jeanine. xo