God’s change is good but sometimes it feels terrible. Until we can see what God is doing, it sure feels anything but good! And He can use challenges in relationships, so look out.
Some years ago, I was the small groups pastor in my local church. I was part of a team of pastors and was really enjoying that role, in fact loving every minute of it. Then for some reason, at the time I didn’t understand, my Senior pastor moved me from that role to different areas in the church. At the time I had two children and small groups ministry – it was almost like another one of my children– I was devastated. So much so that I think I must have cried for weeks! But God had something in mind, I just didn’t know it at the time.
There’s a lot of change happening right now, particularly if you’re in Victoria or in fact anywhere in the world. COVID-19 is impacting us all in different ways. Perhaps you’re stuck at home, perhaps you’re in a hot spot. You may have lost someone close to you or you may be in the valley. My favourite verse, possibly in the whole Bible and one I come back to so often when I’m in the valley is Romans 8:28 and it may help you too:
“ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (NKJ)
I might have been angry, I was definitely challenged by my Senior pastor but basically I trusted him, so I focused on the two new roles he handed me. One of them was a new role where I created a team of 100+ volunteers writing and producing an English and Spanish daily devotional written by the church for the church. The other role was to be part of a pastoral care team, counselling. I remember one day I had a difficult person waiting for me in the counselling room – in tears I said, “I can’t do it” my Senior pastor said “yes you can!” And I did. Now some 13 years later I’ve written two books and my chosen career is therapeutic life coach, which I love. What I do now was begun all those years ago, in the midst of pain. And God used people to bring these things about.
Yes, change hurts at the time, it’s hard but most times these difficult things are God’s change. You may or may not have a clue what He’s doing right now but His Word tells us:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJ
Think back to a time when change for you was difficult, almost impossible, but now in hindsight you can clearly see what God was doing. So for today’s challenging change, say to yourself “I can do this!” Like He did in me, God is preparing you with a special gift for such a time as this or tomorrow or the next day or next month or next year. Let him help you through the hard changes, He will be growing you on the inside in preparation for what He’s created you for.
Love Peta XO
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