I don’t do change well. I get all twitchy, cranky and nervous at the thought of giving up the known for the unknown. I’m not the type of person to get a wild hair and rearrange furniture, switch to a different brand of deodorant or color my hair. It’s just not going to happen and I’m okay with that. I know that there are programs out there to help people like me. But, because it would require me to change my view on change, I avoid them.
Now, before you think to yourself how incredibly boring I am, I should let you know that my attempts to avoid change have not been successful. I’ve been dragged (kicking and screaming) to live in different states, changed jobs, and of course, living with two toddlers brings lots of daily change.
Change has visited my life in various packages. Some have been positive and others very difficult. I can honestly say that every circumstance, good or bad, has been a gift from our gracious Heavenly Father. But, circumstantial change has been a minor detail. As of late, God has been focused on heart change.
Currently, my husband and I are walking a very difficult path. We have cried together and sought the Lord together. The outcome is unknown, and we have a lot of fears. But, one thing we are certain of is this: while our Heavenly Father is absolutely concerned about the condition of our circumstances, He is far more concerned about the condition of our hearts. He is concerned with cultivating our hearts and bringing us to a place of unbridled worship. It’s so easy to praise our gracious Heavenly Father in the good times…but, will we praise him in the difficult times as well? When all the daily stuff is stripped away, what’s left? When people walk out of our lives, who is waiting patiently for us in the corner? It’s Him. Is there anything left for Him? He’s quietly calling us to Him, asking us to let Him shoulder our burden.
Through our circumstance, my husband and I have been reminded that nothing shocks our Heavenly Father. Nothing catches Him by surprise, and he never finds Himself ill-prepared to care for our needs. We’ve learned that while God was preparing our hearts for this defining moment, He was preparing the hearts of those around us to minister to us in various ways, each a direct blessing from Him. It’s been humbling and has brought us to tears of gratitude. Despite our troubled times, He is still on the throne. He is ready, willing and able. Where we are weak He is strong.
We have found comfort in Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
We are daily releasing to him our worries, fears of the unknown, and willingness to go or do all that He asks…no matter how uncomfortable it may be. We praise Him, because while we do not know what tomorrow holds, or what change is around the corner, we do know this: Our Heavenly Father has not changed. He is still sovereign. He is still reigning on high. He still holds the world firmly in His hands. Our hearts choose to praise Him.
By Nikki Jackson, The Jackson ‘5’
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Circumstances change but God does not–and yet He’s endlessly creative in the ways He meets our needs. Thank you for that reminder today, dear Nikki! Praying for you this morning and asking God to continue providing all your heart needs most.
Nikki-
Thank you for this post.
I’m in a season of change/difficult times right now and this was nice to hear. To sympathize with someone else and to just rest in the fact (once again) that we are never alone in all this.
As well as contiue to reconize that He has given us CHOICE in how we respond to our circumstances.
Thanks again.
Our Father is so Faithful to go before us and prepare a way. We have to stand in that Truth and in knowing that He is Sufficient for what concerns me today. Where I get into trouble is looking beyond today, and wanting a clear, illuminated path. That wouldn’t require faith.
What a lovely post and beautiful reminder that in a world of constant, circumstancial change, our Lord never changes. And that the conditions of our hearts are of so much more importance. Thank you!
Nikki, what a beautiful reminder! Mark and I have been through too many of these situations, hard change that God uses to work on our heart conditions. And I’ll be honest: I don’t like it one bit! But you’re so right, that He’s way more concerned with our hearts and our comfort and circumstances.
Good word, my friend. Thank you for sharing with us!
Nikki,
For some reason it helps to know that we are not the only ones God is working with this way right now. Thank you for sharing the road you’re on and your humble confidence in God’s good purpose in it–your testimony is very encouraging! Thank you for sharing your heart–privileged to pray for you while I am so well-equipped to identify with how you’re feeling.
In His Grip,
Shaunie
Praising Him (and intentionally choosing to do so) is so important in times of struggle and of ease! Thank you for this post.
Oh, I’m not good with change either, but you are so right, “nothing surprises God”. I don’t know why I forget that. Our lives may be crazy and our feet wobbley, but God is always planted firmly.