Change is often unexpected and unwanted, and comes when we least expect it. Which I think we’ve all come to see through the Covid pandemic. None of us could have expected it or the changes it’s brought to our lives and world.
Change can bring good
We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.
C. Joybell C.
As some of you know, we have faced a smaller income with my husband out of work ever since the lockdown began here in Italy, which I wrote about in the post “Hope for Shattered Dreams.”
Good from unwanted change
And while the pandemic and lockdown initially seemed only negative, good has come even from it. Just as it always does when we walk with God, who knows how to take our shattered dreams and put them back together again.
Help from unexpected sources enabled us not only to replace our old car, but also my old computer which was also starting to give problems. And with this pretty, new-to-us SEAT Ibiza, in great shape and the nicest car we’ve ever owned on the mission field!
Another good has been having Hubby home with me. Wonderful for me, at least, but not so great for blogging. Which is why, as you may have noticed, I’ve blogged mostly about Italy lately, as it’s the easiest and least time-consuming for me.
And the new computer has a completely different operating system. So it took a lot of preparation and a bit of learning.
Just in case you’re wondering, I’ve switched to a Google Chromebook, which runs on Google’s Chrome OS operating system. And according to some, is the perfect tool for bloggers.
New opportunities!
But perhaps the biggest change has come through new ministry opportunities.
Working with the food bank in our church, whereby we collect food and deliver it to the 20 needy families we are helping during this time of crisis.
We would never have chosen the pandemic, the lockdown, or some of the change it’s brought. But as the above quote states, we can’t be afraid of change. Because even when it’s unwanted, it can bring good.
Especially when we trust our lives into God’s hands, for he is good and loving. And if he removes something from our hands, it’s often because he has something better he wants to place in them.
Change, when our lives are in God’s hands, is not something to fear!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV
Dandelions by Monster koi.
Signora Sheila 
Back in 2001 we were provided a new car at a difficult time of transition and change. That over-the-top-generous gift spoke loudly of God’s loving care. He is indeed our El Roi–the God Who Sees! It delights me, Sheila, that we have in common yet another experience, and I’m praising God here for the way He’s provided for you!
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Thank you, Nancy! God really does always provide, and often in unexpected ways! He is always so faithful!
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Your new car is pretty! God bless you as continue to serve Him on the mission field! He is giving you new and exciting opportunities!
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Thank you so much; Deborah! And yes, we think it’s pretty too. God is so good, and we are excited about the new opportunities, praying that we will be able to serve well.
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Change is often God’s way of telling us He has a better plan, and He will move us if we refuse to move! I’m really happy that your new-to-you car and computer are such gifts. But then that’s our Lord–the Great Giver of Good Gifts.
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Thanks Dayle! And yes, you are so right. God is indeed the great giver, always going far beyond what we can even imagine!
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