Persevering Through Change

Written by Janet Upchurch

Are you dealing with an unwanted change today? Our mentors are available to talk and pray with you.

“ I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11b)

The word ‘change’ brings up many images in our minds. Some good images, some uncomfortable. Some changes bring hope while others drag in disaster and despair. If we encounter a job change we run into a wall of new surroundings, new acquaintances. A mid-life crisis could bring health problems, or children leaving home. College looms and finances go thru the roof. And, how about the ‘change’ in your pocket or purse?

How we handle these changes depends on our own surroundings, our attitude and how we see others and ourselves. Do we handle them by trying to rely on ourselves or do we call out to the Lord for help? Walking with the Lord thru the changes in our lives adds a blessing that bring comfort, strength and the ability to help others thru the changes in their life.

Pause and Reflect

Among all the changes of life and what we encounter, whether we like them or not, there is no real returning to what ‘use to be’. We learn to sit back and look ahead to life in general and our family specifically. Life goes on, count your blessings, accept changes as they fall into your life, but, if you don’t like the changes as they happen, reverse course and transfer, reposition yourself and start again.

St Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11 “for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content” and although I laughingly twist his advice around, in all seriousness it holds wisdom for us. This same wisdom can apply wherever we are. The decision is up to us. Are we sent to a place by the Lord for service to others, are we there, or here because of our own pleasure, advancement or retirement?

Finally, a change can be a calling from what we have known of an earthly home and life to a Heavenly home. Are we persevering toward that goal as we acknowledge our earthly plans and work ? Death is the final transition and change.