by Pastor Ken Floyd
When a new year approaches, it is typically accompanied by a review and analysis of what transpired in the closing year and the anticipated challenges, opportunities, and outcomes of the approaching year. It is amazing how the change of one calendar page can produce such an intellectual and emotional exercise of contemplation and anticipation (and unrealistic resolutions).
Keeping this in mind, perhaps there is no more appropriate word for us to begin this new year with than the word “change.” The type of change which I am referencing is the kind that King Solomon notes in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Solomon then illustrates his observation through a series of comparative examples demonstrating life’s ebb and flow and give and take (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8).
“Change” is not a static word. It evokes unique responses, depending upon the circumstances in which it is applied. Indeed, our awareness of change is primarily because God has incorporated change cycles into His creative design (I.e., Job 38; Ecclesiastes 3). Significant change may be a part of God’s sovereign plan for us as the new year unfolds.
Some change is life life-shaking and seemingly negative. Change can come packaged as an unwelcome diagnosis. Or, it may be defined by a job transfer or plant closing. It may be the severing of a special relationship or the loss of a loved one through death. It might simply be a change in what has been routine or what has become mundane. However it may be packaged, change can be unsettling and may result in an unrealized dream or a great disappointment.
There are times when we would prefer a life with minimal change. We don’t like to be disturbed, so we carve out routines. We would prefer to move back to the familiar, even if it takes us back to a proverbial Egypt (I.e., Exodus 14:10-14). Sadly, we can even approach the new life that is ours in Christ as a threatening hindrance rather than a joyful experience. What should produce spiritual growth and excitement comes to be seen as normal and mundane. And the spiritual life that should produce fruit for God’s glory becomes dreary.
Individuals, families, or churches that set their feet (or minds) in concrete are hiding from the Biblical reality of the benefits of change. When change is seen as an unwelcome intrusion, minds that have been divinely designed to think on the “excellent and praiseworthy things of God” (Philippians 4:8-9) are content to merely reminisce about the “good old days” and harbor resentment regarding that which has been lost. Instead of demonstrating critical thinking as defined by God’s Word, we can become just plain critical and complain that things are not the way that we would like or how they used to be.
While the word “change” has its standard definition in the dictionary, may I suggest that a Biblical definition or synonym for it is the word “growth?” Indeed, each of us will be led by God to face unique scenarios that are designed to stretch us and produce new growth.
This new year will provide opportunities to stretch daily and strengthen our spiritual muscles (with a bonus day!) The impact of those changes will bring with them the potential for spiritual opportunities. While change will most likely bring its share of challenges, it will also offer many opportunities.
Change offers the potential to learn new things. It introduces us to new people. It forces us to adapt, making decisions and choices based upon the wisdom principles of Scripture. Change directs us to prayerfully seek the counsel of an all-wise God and allow Him to wrap us in His compassionate, all-powerful embrace.
God will sovereignly allow special situations to stretch our faith and produce new levels of endurance in our spiritual walk. In fact, the changes that God will allow in our lives will not only impact us as individuals but also produce ripple effects that can potentially impact many people around us (cf. 1 Peter 3:8-17).
The Apostle Paul wisely admonishes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). God calls us to live actively in confident faith and hope, not fear. He asks us to trust in the fact that He is already present in the places that are new and untested for us.
God is faithful to His people. We can walk daily in the coming year with the joyful confidence that God is already where we are going, no matter what changes may come.
You have God’s Word on it! PKF