I am not a person who dislikes change. Change for the sake of change is occasionally my practice. At times, I make deliberate changes in our local church to prevent things from becoming sacred cows. I intentionally wear a suit one week and jeans the next as a visual expression that change is good in the church. Changing from week to week seems odd to some, but there is intentionality behind it.
Many view change as a time of giving up security and comfort. That is certainly true to a point, I see change as God’s opportunity to bring us closer to His ultimate plan for our lives. In so doing, we are growing as followers and growing the Kingdom as He wants, rather than according to our preconceived notions. Change is good. Change is an act of trust that God is ultimately in control.
Now, do not get me wrong, we have all been in a position of wondering what in the world God is doing with us. That is not always comfortable, but it is necessary, or He would not take us through it. Change is evident everywhere. It is easier to embrace it than to fight it. I have heard people say that they would rather that their church close than change. How foolish. Change brings new life and new opportunities.
Joy in the journey is dependent on our ability to change and adapt as God directs. This concept is rooted in the fact that our joy is not circumstantial. This is something people who are not followers of Jesus do not understand. Joy and happiness are related but not the same. Happiness depends on your attitude that day, the circumstances you are walking through, getting that promotion, buying that new car, etc. Joy transcends all of this and is rooted in our relationship with Christ.
See amid loss and sorrow, we can still have joy, because Jesus is our source of joy. Change brings challenges, but it also brings joy. There is excitement in change. There is beauty in change because Jesus is in the change. There is joy in the journey. Embrace the change. It will be worth it, I promise.
Through Time 