Changes

Phil. 1:6, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

What is there about change that is so distressing to us? It takes us out of our comfort zone. But God sees to it that there are many changes all along in life. Why?

The word "growth" implies change. If we are unwilling to change, we will not grow. The word "improvement" implies change. If we do not change, we cannot improve. God loves us and accepts us just like we are, but He loves us too much to leave us like He finds us. We like our routines because they are comfortable and familiar and easy. We are interested in our comfort and convenience, but God is interested in our character. His purpose is to constantly be transforming us into the image of Christ. Sometimes I despair of ever doing any better in certain areas of my life, but how grateful I am that God never gives up on me.

A good friend of mine, Olivia Neall, taught me, "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall never be bent out of shape."

John, the apostle, was a disciple of Jesus for three years. Then he became a pastor for perhaps as long as 25 years. As we read the book of Revelation, we find him in exile on a small, rocky, barren island called Patmos, separated from his friends, his church, and his routine. But he was not separated from his Lord, and he was open to whatever God had for him at this different stage of his life. Because he was flexible in God's hands, he was entrusted with that astounding vision of the future which warns unbelievers and gives such hope and confidence to believers.

How flexible are you and I in God's hands? Will we trust Him and follow Him through all the changes in our lives?

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that as we behold Your glory, You are transforming us into the image of Your dear Son. Amen.