Everyday Step with Jesus

Isn’t it beautiful how the seasons change? Before we know it, we look outside the window and realize that the trees that were once bare have started to blossom and we wonder, “When did the leaves get there?” “How did I not notice?” This tends to happen in our lives too. Change comes about and sometimes we only realize it when it’s a tangible, visible shift. But in reality, there were little things that were changing and taking form that caused the overall change. When we stop for a moment and look around, we will realize that circumstances around us are constantly changing. Change can bring about fear and uncertainty, but it can also bring a much needed breakthrough, joy and a breath of fresh air. How do we embrace change? Keep on reading…

I have experienced quite a bit of change in my own life lately. I recently got married, moved out of the city I grew up in, and have been taking on new roles both professionally and personally. While the change is happening, sometimes we don’t realize everything that is taking place because we are going through everyday life. But, when we stop and look around we realize all the small changes that have taken place in our lives. And we ask ourselves “how did I get here?” For me, that answer is, the Lord. I can honestly say that I would not be able to endure or embrace any change in my life if it weren’t for the help of the Lord. Even in the good changes in our lives, we need His help, guidance, and grace.

When we go through changes in our lives we face uncertainty, fear and sometimes even doubt. Wondering if we belong where we are at. When Joshua had to lead the people after Moses death, He needed the reassurance from the Lord. The Lord told him:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

Although Joshua had been Moses’s assistant, leading the people without Moses was a new role he was about to take on. Sometimes although we’ve been in a similar role or preparing ourselves for the next big role to come, there is fear and uncertainty. Joshua was facing this, or else the Lord wouldn’t have told him not to fear. Even if we’ve been preparing ourselves for the change, the Lord is the one that truly equips us and gives us the courage to take on the next big role.

The Lord used Joshua as a warrior, a spy, an assistant, and a helper. Through these things the Lord prepared him to be a leader. The same happens with us. Throughout our life the Lord is willing and able to lead us through the small changes to eventually take us where He wants. Often times we end up frustrated because we try to either do it alone and in our own strength or we take on too much change at once. Joshua didn’t just come out of no where to lead the people, no, he was a faithful assistant to Moses that was willing to learn and take action.

We are able to embrace change in our lives, by taking the small steps that will eventually lead us, by remaining consistent even when we face adversities, and above all by keeping our eyes on the Lord. This means that even when the fear comes and even when we may not feel like doing something, or we start to look at the uncertainty and the people around us, we remember where our strength comes from. We need to remind ourselves:

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalms 18:2 NKJV

We need to remember what He tells us through His word, that He will be with us, these are not vain words or empty promises. He is faithful and despite us not knowing the end of the story, He knows it and He can be trusted. Although change can be scary, it is necessary for the Lord’s will to take place in our lives. While letting go of certain things may be painful, it ultimately leads to freedom and growth in the Lord. We learn to depend on Him more fully as we walk through life. So, take the small steps that will lead you to where the Lord wants to take you. If necessary, do it afraid, but do it with His guidance.