“Come on Sam, let’s go!” yelled Jeff racing ahead of his brother on their trek up the mountain.
On the hike their senses were awakened with the aroma of fragrant pines, the sight of deer and rabbits scurrying across their path and the cooling sprays of cascading waterfalls. Lying in the comfort of their tent that night, pleasant memories and exhaustion lured them into a peaceful sleep.
The next day they eagerly hiked towards the top of the mountain until they found a place to camp. Just as they dropped their back packs, the weather suddenly changed. A blast of wind sent their pack full of food tumbling down the mountain. Cold rain pelted their bodies, soaking their clothing and chilling their skin.
Spying a cave, they ran for it!
Frustrated, Jeff buried his head in his hands. “We lost our food Sam! We’re going to starve! I’m so wet and cold, I’ll get sick!” Sam’s eyes widened in wonder, “Yeah, but Jeff check out this place. It’s amazing!”
Sam pointed, “Hey look, sticks! I’ll make a fire.” “What will we eat?” whimpered Jeff. “How about those berries by the cave’s entrance? See, we have shelter, warmth and food!” encouraged Sam. “This is an adventure!”
CHANGES!
Sudden changes can be scary. Let’s face it. We grow comfortable in our jobs, relationships, homes and places of worship. But like the weather changed for our hikers, things can change for us too bringing an unexpected adventure.
THE UNEXPECTED!
Think about Sam and Jeff’s unexpected adventure. If it wasn’t for the sudden weather change, would they have lived on natures resources? Would they have explored an amazing cave? Change exposed them to new things.
Change can expose us to new things too. Like new knowledge, new relationships, new locations and new adventures. A change could even mean God is opening doors of opportunities for better things.
“I know your works.
See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it;
for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name,”
Revelation 3:8
We never know what we will find behind the door God opens!
FAITH?
When sudden changes occur, the depth of our faith is revealed. How do we respond? Do we act like Jeff only seeing the negative without faith for the Lord’s provision? Dwelling on the negative leads to misery and fear as we, like Jeff, anticipate what we DON’T want to happen.
Or do we, like Sam, positively embrace the adventure having faith that the Lord will take care of everything? Looking to the Lord and dwelling on the positive allows us the freedom to enjoy the adventure. It’s an opportunity to grow our faith while experiencing more hope and peace.
When change comes, even sudden change, we can have faith for the Lord’s provision.
We can have faith that He will use it all for good, (Romans 8:28).
And my God shall supply all your need according
to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,
Philippians 4:19
Look at the Israelites. They endured changes for 40 years! Although our changes may not take that long, just as God was with them, providing for them throughout their adventure, He will be for us.
Besides providing food, think about the Israelites clothes.
They weren’t like today’s fashion statements!
They never wore out!
Can you imagine your favorite clothes lasting 40 years? And all of that walking! They didn’t have special ankle support or tread on their sandals, yet their feet never suffered!
Your garments did not wear out on you,
nor did your foot swell these forty years,
Deuteronomy 8:4
GOD IS PREPARED!
Rarely are we prepared for sudden changes. However, God is. He is never surprised. In His love for us, He prepares our way even before we know we will be making a change.
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you;
do not fear nor be dismayed,
Deuteronomy 31:8
When sudden change occurs, remember the Israelites. God exchanged their slavery for freedom when He opened the door to give them the bounty of the promised land. Like God had a good plan for the Israelites, He has a plan to bring us something better, too.
Israel
For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land,
With brooks, fountains and springs,
Wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey;
Where you will eat bread without scarcity,
in which you will lack nothing;
a land with iron and copper.
When you have eaten and are full,
then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you,
Deuteronomy 8:7-10
(paraphrased)
LET’S EMBRACE
OUR CHANGES
AS ADVENTURES WITH GOD!
REFLECTION
What changes are you facing?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, as I write Revelation 3:8 and say it aloud, grow my faith in You. Help me to embrace changes allowing You to lead me through them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
IN FAITH EMBRACE THE CHANGE
Comment!
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Photo storm, Savvas Kalimeris
Photo door, Ihor Malytskyi
