Thinking about change...

First of all, a BIG welcome to those of you joining me from Encouragement Cafe! It's a blessing to share a devotional with you!! If you'd like to read, "Who's your judge?" click HERE. Now, I invite you to read what's on my heart...

I'll begin with a question -

How do you feel about change?

I have never been a fan of change and recently have realized I have a fear of change. Can you relate? If so, read on. If not, I encourage you to read on as well...chances are you know someone who is afraid of this reality of life and this might help you understand. :)

God has been working in my life...He always is, but sometimes we realize it better than others. He is bringing change. He's moving me from woman's ministry, where I've been serving and growing for the last 13 years, and taking me back to the basketball court, where I played and coached for many years.

Now, compared to some of the changes you may be facing this may seem pretty small, but I have to say it's been a bigger challenge than I care to admit. Though my life no longer revolves around basketball (this is a good thing!), I do enjoy the game and know there are life lessons to learn. I know God can and does work through sports ministry, it's a new arena and requires stepping out of my comfort zone...it means change.

As I prayed and pondered what to do over the last few months, I found myself wrestling with thoughts, fears and even God. I didn't want to walk away from serving on a women's ministry team; this experience has been a blessing. One that brought joy, growth and accountability. I didn't understand God's timing...just a year ago, He led me to write a Bible study for women why would He lead me to young athletes now?

Time went by and I didn't get all the answers, but God gave me some glimpses into His plan and purpose. He also worked on my heart. I've been reminded life is about so much more than what we do, it's about what God is doing in us. So, if you find yourself in the midst of change now, here are a few things to remember -

Don't fear change, fear God!

"And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day." Deuteronomy 6:24

          Don't fear the change circumstances bring, trust God to use the circumstances He's created.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5

      Sometimes God changes the circumstances around so that He can change the heart within us.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

      When God changes the desires of your heart be willing to surrender your plans for the future. 

"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

The center of God's will is the safest place to be.

"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

I don't know what change you are facing, but I'm certain change will forever be part of our earthly lives. Instead of it being something we dread or fear, let's make it something we embrace. May we see it as an opportunity to not only serve God in a new way or different arena, but a place to allow Him to do work in our hearts that hasn't been done before.

Friend, I didn't get to this place overnight, I've wrestled with the change that is taking place for quite awhile and that's OK. God can handle my questions and He's been patient with me in the process. He's been faithful to speak through His Word and guide me with His Spirit. I've had to seek and surrender, but I trust He will supply and transform. I'm grateful to know no matter what change comes, my God, my good heavenly Father will never change - He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.

He's walked with me, and you, through change before, He will do it again!

For my mom friends facing change - Do you remember any fear of change before your first child was born? Me too! The same God who walked us through that will be with us when they go to kindergarten, leave for college or find themselves walking down the aisle.

For my working friends - Have you faced work related change in the past? God's been there with you through it all, He's with you in the current change as well.

For my friends in the ministry - Like me are you facing change? Is God leading you away from a ministry team or speaking ministry? Please join me in remembering, ministry isn't about hosting an event or speaking from a stage. It's about sharing Christ, proclaiming the Truth and living our faith...even when our arena changes, ministry remains the same!

With all this said, I don't know what these changes will mean for my blog. So friend, please know I'm grateful for the time you've spent reading words God's led me to share and if He puts more on my heart, I pray He'll use them once again. I'll still be living on the farm and learning lessons in our fields and on the basketball court, so perhaps He'll provide time for me to share. Until then, I'd love to hear how you've learned to walk through the changes life brings. What advice to do you have to share? Do you have wisdom from the Word we can cling to? If so, I invite you to leave a comment! Thank you and God bless!!