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“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

It’s getting darker earlier.  The traffic is picking up.  College students are descending on our mid-size town.  Parents are busy shopping for paper, pens, shoes, clothes, etc.  The signs are evident back to school is just around the corner.  And right along with schools and colleges starting is the transition away from summer to fall.

Change is inevitable even if we don’t want it to happen.  Whether it’s a changing of seasons or the transitioning from carefree days to hectic school schedules, our resistance to change doesn’t serve us well.  Even in the most complicated and difficult transitions, God can birth the most unexpected beauty.

Without the scorching heat of summer, we would miss evenings swimming.  Without the climax of fall, we wouldn’t see the handiwork of God displayed in vibrant orange and yellow.  Without the frigid temps in winter, we would miss the snowy white landscape making all things shine in the moonlight.  Without the burst of spring, we would forget how warm the sun feels against our skin and the brilliance of new life birthed all around us.

Kind of puts a new spin on change doesn’t it?  I’m definitely a summer / spring fan, but I also love looking across a white blanketed field and watching the moonlight dance.  There is a joy to be found in change; I just simply have to adjust my gaze.

Keeping it real here  – while I can embrace some changes, I also resist others.  When it comes to attitudes, habits or character flaws that desperately need adjusting, I can easily dismiss them as being too hard.  However, when I look in the mirror of God’s word and see how His transformation of my life serves me well, I’m faced with some tough decisions. Stay the same or embrace His change.  Staying the same will rob me of the potential to glorify God with my life.  Embracing His changes will position me to reflect His image to my world.  God’s plan serves me well even if I don’t see it in the moment.

David Guzik puts it this way: “God’s love is a transforming love. It meets us right where we are at, but when we receive this love it always takes us where we should be going.  The love of God that saves my soul will also change my life.”

Wow – God’s love not only accepts us despite our sin-filled lives, but He carves out a plan to keep us on the right path.  His loving kindness, forgiveness and grace washes over all our sins and transforms us from the inside out. Now that’s the best change ever.  Unforced yet strategic in cultivating the best in us. Whether we like change or not, we can trust God’s transforming work in our lives.

Transformation is an evolving process.  God who began a good work in us will complete His work in us until we see Him face to face. He will never give up or abandon us. He will always provide the right opportunity for change to evolve.  With a surrendered and cooperative heart, we will rejoice in His glory displayed in us.

“Father, help us to welcome Your work in our hearts and embrace any changes so we are true reflectors of You to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life