3 Ways to Embrace Change

I Do NOT Like Change…Now What?

Life has a way of bringing interruptions into our lives that cause us to change to a certain extent in order to adapt to them. Very few people actually like change.

Why is change so scary? Why is it something we will do anything to avoid? It has something to do with another word we don’t like very much: uncertainty. Why? Uncertainty often leads to fear and anxiety because by definition we are not certain of what lies ahead. The possibilities for the situation could be endless. Not knowing where to set our anchor of expectation for the future can be a very scary place.

If the world has truly changed forever and there’s nothing I can do about it, how can I adjust to these changes?

Well, I’m glad you asked because God has an answer to this:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8 NIV

The One who holds the universe in His hand does not change based on the circumstances of this world, what we do, or what people do to us. That means that God’s plans for your life, His good purposes for you, His love, His provision for all your needs never changes because He cannot change who He is.

Ok so if He is the answer, what does that look like practically speaking? Let’s look at 3 ways God can help you fully embrace change:

1. He Changes Your Perspective

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’”

James 4:13-15 NIV

In order to embrace change and have peace in chaotic situations, we must give our control to God, who is ultimately in control. But giving up control is never easy. Though we may feel we are giving up our “rights” to our lives, we are actually gaining life because we have surrendered control to someone who can manage it much better than we can. But you need to know who God is. How do you do that? By getting to know Him through His Word, the Bible, and praying back to Him what you don’t understand or what you need help in. When you know who He is, you can live one day at a time and allow His will to be done in your life.

2. He Provides Contentment

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

No matter if Paul had a lot or a little, he was content. The only reason he could be content during the hard and lean times was that Christ strengthened him to do so. Contentment is the attitude of handling change with grace and even joy, in spite of your circumstances. I don’t know about you but no amount of positivity and self-help tips will help me do that. I can only do that through Christ who gives me strength. I have decided to trust God to take care of me and bring about His good purpose in me, regardless of what happens next.

3. He Gives Hope.

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah”

Psalms 46:1-3 NIV

We see God’s faithfulness through every story in the Bible. There are some stories with men such as Abraham, Joseph, and Job that take a dark detour, yet God still provides for them. These men did not see how the swift turn of events in their lives could bring about any good in the end. It seemed that God was not listening, had forgotten them, or had gone back on His promise. But since none of His promises will return null or void, every one of those men in those stories had good come from their change. They continued to have hope in God to provide.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”

Ephesians 3:20 NIV

That is why there is no room for fear because we cannot go wrong in God’s economy. It does not mean that everything will be daffodils and roses but rather the change going on around me will produce a change within me for my ultimate good. If we know Him and He knows us, we can be assured that change is always good since He has us in the palm of His sure and steady hand.

 So, my dear friend, in this time or anytime that uncertainty and real change overtake you, may you rest in the arms of the One who never changes. Trust that He will bring you through the change and use it so that you can be a greater reflection of hope and love for this world. In other words, a little bit more like Him.

Source: New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Natalie Diaz is a blogging Christ-follower who works as an optometrist and professor by day. She enjoys choreography, dance, sewing, DIY projects, and cooking. She is passionate about God’s Word and the life it brings to others as they seek after Him. Diaz loves teaching and facilitating small groups at her church. Her greatest joy is mentoring young women to become women of the Word. To learn more about Natalie, visit her blog afragranceofgrace.com, Facebook: facebook.com/afragranceofgrace and Instagram: @fragrance_of_grace