Dealing with Change - Ecclesiastes 3

Wednesdays in the Word

Change - do you like it? I suppose it matters if it's a good change or a bad change? Is it a pay raise or a job loss? Is it a new born baby or the death of a loved one? Ecclesiastes 3 describes 28 different seasons of life and one thing is guaranteed - change is absolute!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

In John 14, when Jesus met with his disciples he told them that change was coming. He was going to depart but they were to have no fear because he was sending them the Holy Spirit. Despite the change - one thing would remain constant - His presence. He would be with them guiding them, counseling them, and teaching them through the Holy Spirit.

The Greek word for "Holy Spirit" is parakletos which means one who comes along side and helps and comforts. Jesus wanted his disciples to know that he was leaving but they were NOT alone! Women - we are NOT alone!!! When everything around us changes - when we move to a new town, we change jobs, we add more children to the fold or sickness is upon us - one thing is certain the presence of God is with us.

Are you practicing the presence of God in your life? Do you sense his presence - are you listening or are you hurrying through your day just surviving it. Are you missing the hand of God in your life...thinking that you are making up time when really you are losing it.

God uses change to shape us and to open our eyes to his presence. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to the end."

I struggle with what I am about to say - but I'm going to say it to you and in my own heart wrestle this out...embrace change. Know that God uses change for his glory. Change is what turned Mary the peasant girl into the mother of God almighty! Change is what turned David the shepherd boy into the King! And change is what turned me - a useless piece of clay into a blood bought child of of the King.

Slow down today - stop rushing through life and missing the presence of God.
Pause...now do you see Him?
Look...he's been there.

See...he will always be there.

"Eyes that look are common - eyes that see are rare."

Walk with the King!