“…. Thy God reigneth!” – Isa. 52:7
Fall reminds us that change is coming. The dancing golden leaves will soon be replaced with the fluttering white snowflakes. Summer has ended and winter is just around the corner. As far back as I can remember fall has been my favorite time of the year, but that is changing. The older I get, the more aches and pains trouble me, the less I like the chilly days of fall. But since I can’t change or control the seasons, I must cope with them.
Now that is a minor matter, but some changes are major. Just a few days ago I received the shocking news that one of my cousins had died. Now the family and friends must cope with the change and learn to live with their loss. That’s something most people would rather not have to do, but we can’t dictate the events of life.
Change is inevitable. The one thing you can count on is that change is coming. As long as we are in this world we must contend with changes. We see some of them coming, but are surprised by others. Some are pleasant and some are painful. Some are desired and some are despised. They are all different in their nature, intensity, and duration. We must continually cope with the challenge of change. Sometimes it is easy, but sometimes it seems impossible.
The one thing all changes have in common is this – they all happen because God appoints them or allows them. There are no accidents with God. And since we can’t control or change them our only path to peace is to accept what God allows. That’s crucial if we hope to find comfort. I realize that this is a tough task, but it is what God expects. He wants us to trust Him. And, since He never changes – the same yesterday, today, and forever, He is trustworthy. You can always rely upon Him. In our text we find God speaking to the inhabitants of Jerusalem about changes, past and future, and He reminds them of this glorious fact, “Thy God reigneth!“. Thank God He is still on His throne! As He said, “For I am the LORD, I change not” (Mal. 3:6).
So when you are confronted with a change you can’t change or control, to find comfort you must accept what God allows. In doing that you experience peace that passeth all understanding and express your confidence that God will cause all things to work together for good. We don’t have to be controlled by circumstances. In Christ we can find comfort and courage for the crisis of change. As Paul said, “we are more than conquerors through him that loved us”. ( Rom. 8:37). – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
