Change is a funny word. Depending on one’s situation it can either bring relief or stress; usually more of a combination of the two. On the one hand, new things are exciting and invigorating, at least for me, but on the other hand, the unknown is something we all fear to some extent. As a seminary student and youth minister, I have read quite a bit and listened to several podcasts about change from the perspective of the one instigating and leading the change. Few however find themselves in positions of leading the change. All of us at one point or another find ourselves in the midst of going through change we had little to no control over. Maybe it’s at work and the company is going a new direction, or was just bought and your future is unknown. Perhaps it’s a change to the family like the addition of a baby, foster or adopted child, remarriage, kids leaving for college, or the loss of a loved one. Maybe it’s entering a new phase of life such as getting married, starting a family, graduating or going back to school. Maybe there’s a new Walmart being built and your shopping habits will change. Things are always changing; some are seemingly inconsequential while other shake the foundation of our lives.

Change is more difficult for some than others. Some, like myself, are very flexible, probably too flexible, and do not get everything finished they need to (I always eventually get it done, it might just be 4:30 in the morning…). Others are so set on a rigid schedule that it physically affects them when it has to change. I am no expert on the matter, in fact, my philosophy of it will all get done eventually is a very poor choice, if I do say so myself. There is a balance between these two extremes which is the sweet spot. It takes time and effort, which I am in the midst of figuring out myself, but so far it has been completely worth the additional work and effort.

Scripture may not say anything specifically about how to handle change, but it is far from silent on the topic. Paul in Romans 8:28 says God works all things for the good of those who love him. Most change is not always comfortable at first and can easily lead us to questioning if whether or not God is in control. Be assured that God most certainly is in control. Though it may be difficult to see at first, God promises in his inspired Word to work all things for the good of those who love him. Do you love God? Show it by trusting in his omniscience in any and all change you come across in your life. I know, easier said than done right? Let me tell you about someone who perhaps had the greatest change in his life, Paul.

For his entire adult life, Paul (first known as Soul) persecuted the Church and killed anyone who associated themselves with Jesus Christ. Acts 9 tells us about one of those trips to track down Christians when he had a vision of Christ. He repented and started preaching for Christ and trying to get people to become Christians! What a change! I know, this is different because he chose this and you didn’t choose your change right? But what strikes me are the reactions of those around him. No one wants to give him a chance. No one trust him. I can’t blame them, knowing what he used to do. How do they know the change is real? That he really does have their best interest in mind now as opposed to trying to harm them?

Here’s what I want to ask of you. The next time you find yourself in the midst of change you do not like, ask yourself these questions: Can I trust God? Do I really believe he has my best interest in mind? If you say yes, then believe God and look for the good of what may come. Be hopeful and excited for what God is going to bring your way. Trust that God has allowed this for some reason, that there is a much bigger picture and find rest and peace and comfort in Him.