Change

It is a widely-circulated belief (apparently spread by people with 3 kids or less) that once you have 3 kids, adding 1 more is a piece of cake. As a new mother of 4, I'm not sure that "a piece of cake" is how I would choose to describe the chaos. This being said, at least I had 9 months to try to prepare for the change. I got the nursery ready, painted rooms, moved furniture around, washed and folded all of the baby clothes, and other major tasks just to get as ready as possible. Even though I did everything I could to prepare, the excitement was slightly tinted with a fear of the unknown. How would our family dynamic change? How would my 18 month old, 4 1/2 yr old, and 8 year old handle having a new baby in the house? How could I ever hope to take all of my children grocery shopping? (Can you relate to the terror the thought invokes?!) 

In general, we as people don't like change, even when the change has the potential to be amazing. It's why the first year of marriage is so difficult while you are trying to adjust to how someone else does things. It is why we always sit in the same row at church. It's why some people refuse to move forward with the changing technology. We thrive on having routines. We all like to cling to what we know and what makes us comfortable. However, as the saying goes, "The only constant in life is change."

So what does the Bible say about change? Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven". 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Not only is change uncomfortable at times, but it is sometimes scary--especially when we face the unknown. It is in those times that our faith is strengthened as we are reminded that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8. How comforting it is, in a world that is constantly changing, to know that our Savior is always the same!

Are you going through a change in your life right now that has tempted you to doubt the sovereignty of our constant and unchanging Savior? Have you lost someone you love? Are you dealing with a sickness or life-changing circumstance? Are you anxious about a new job, a move, or a decision that threatens to turn your world upside-down?

We know that there is a season for everything and that change is inevitable, but rather than fearing change, let us embrace the plans that God has for us. Let us remember to put our trust in a steadfast and unchanging God who loves us perfectly and works everything for our ultimate good.