The Journey of Growth Takes Change

Every journey requires change. A change of place, of motion, of position. It takes leaving, surrender, and a leap into the unknown. So a few people (like me) relish change, but more seem to actually fear or dread it. Which is understandable. Jumping off cliffs, so to speak, can be scary!

Fear of change usually comes from apprehension over what we don’t know, understand, or can’t control. Change leads (or sometimes drags) us down new paths, into unchartered territories. So we fear what could happen. And most of all we fear making mistakes or failing.

Now, anyone who has followed my blog for long probably thinks I deserve the title of “Official Change Addict,” and rightly so. Or that I need OCD therapy for my change addiction. 🤔 Yet, in spite of that and mistakes or failures along the way – or perhaps because of them – change has brought growth and valuable lessons.

Now perhaps you’re actually going through or facing change right now, and dreading the possibilities. Or you’ve already taken the plunge only find defeat and failure staring you in the face. In any case, I’d like to offer some insights that might help you meet the challenges of change.

Truths that can help us face change

1. God is unchanging

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

In the midst of our uncertain and changing world it’s good to know that some things are unchanging. Even Scripture assures us that we will face uncertainty, obstacles, defeat, shame, adversity, and trials along our journey here.

But our lives go far beyond this precarious realm. We are in this world, but not of it. We belong to a great unshakable kingdom – ruled by the king who never changes and promises to never leave us. So no matter what change may bring, we need never fear.

2. God’s word never changes

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Matthew 24:35 ESV

God’s laws – along with his promises – are as firm and reliable today as when he first made them. So we can rest assured that, though the path be ardous, he will bring us through. And bring good from even devasting change.

3. God is always on the move

In his great Chronicles of Narnia series, C.S. Lewis portrays God in a figurative manner through his character Aslan. Who, in the first book, returns to a Narnia held under the white witch’s spell of eternal winter. “Always winter, and never Christmas,” as Mr. Tumnus sadly put it.

Until suddenly a certain something could be felt in the atmosphere, something about to happen. Change – in the name of the great lion Aslan – was coming.

Aslan is on the move.

What a great picture of God’s workings! Just as Aslan stepped in to free Narnia of the eternal winter curse, Christ steps into the bleakness of our Christmas-less, hopeless winter moments. Bringing change, and with it renewal, hope and a future.

Just because God is unchanging, doesn’t mean he’s still. He is always on the move and knows just the right moment to step in with his transforming power.

4. God wants us on the move too

We are called to a journey. Our life here is not a permanent residency, but a sojourning. A call to spiritual growth, moving ever deeper in him. Growth requires change, and entails renouncing something. Yet the gain far outweighs any loss. And even in the midst of defeat or failure, in him we come out victors.

5. Effective change only comes from stability

Without firm foundations, change will weaken rather than bring positive growth. So change overall is positive, when we have a solid base. As long as we’re building up our faith, our Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship with his people. Without them we risk ruination.

Benefits of change

Change can bring deep and lasting growth – and this can help us become steadfast and unmovable. While always climbing further us and further in, we can move toward greater maturity in Christ. It is not something to fear if we’re making that ardous and scary climb, hand-in-hand with Jesus!

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Images: Foggy landscape by ELG21 | Lion by KT Design Studio | Emojis from Emojipedia.