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Can we all agree change is unsettling, sometimes even scary?

The status quo often sounds more appealing. We’d rather remain comfortable than create new habits. When we do choose change, we try hard to control all variables to avoid flubbing up or flat-out failure.

Change is hard for us habitual humans! But have we become such creatures of habit that we even resist God’s calling to take a new direction?

Change, the inside-out, upside-down transformational kind, seems to be the constant in my life for the last several years. Even when I teetered on the edge of stability, a new round of transitions teamed up to ensure I didn’t get too cozy.

Have you ever felt that way? Like you can’t catch a break or settle into a simple routine?

My first wonderful round started with motherhood, moving to a new community, and making new friends all at once. While slightly unsettling, life was GOOD and blessings oozed from each new experience. I welcomed God holding the reigns and I relished even the stressful parts of starting this new phase. This ‘life change’ thing wasn’t so bad!

Then an uncontrollable, inconceivable kind of change rerouted my family into a whole new realm and I resisted. This change struck my lovely new life with fear.

My husband was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Reality hurt and we went into battle. I fought to prevent the passing of my sweet husband into heaven. No amount of God could convince me this change would bless my new babies.

I was afraid and suddenly, ‘change’ felt like an ugly, impossible challenge.

Alas, I lost my quest for the status quo becoming a widow with one and three-year-old little girls. The change of motherhood I once welcomed seemed suffocating as single parenting left me lonely and often frustrated. My girls needed more than me alone!

I was still afraid.

Fast forward three years and I’ve started settling in, slowing down, and feeling strong as a single mom (mostly!).

I realize God didn’t give me the tough stuff to cause suffering but to grow my faith through His grace.

I see our family’s hardships as His hand moving and molding us. Change, while heartbreaking, was worth it.

The fear fled my heart and I finally felt comfortable. Ahhh…relief.

But only for a breath. I’m in the midst of another round of big change. A decision I made for my children’s education drastically changed the dynamics in our church for my family. Now, instead of just switching schools and what comes socially along with that, we’ve been thrust into an unexpected, heartbreaking change in church membership.

Additionally, I felt God calling me to close my business I’ve owned for so long. He’s been tugging at my heart for some time but finally used finances and family priorities to amplify His request.

I feel uprooted again. Church, school, and work all changing at once.

But, this time I’m not afraid!

The earlier version of me would have reached immediately for ice cream and then for ways to resist such dramatic redirection in a desire to remain comfortable out of fear.

But my fears do not come from the Lord so now I know I must quiet them to listen to Him. (2 Timothy 1:7)

He wants me to step out into any challenge or change for His good plans and purpose! He sweeps me into His arms knowing my need for His comfort and wisdom. I trust His sovereignty and humbly accept my life was created to serve Him even if it feels like He’s constantly recreating it!

I can honestly pray: Father, I desire any redirection that comes from You!

I take comfort in knowing His plans are better than any I can come up with. (Psalm 18:30)

This time I’m leaning INTO the Lord, taking refuge in Him, rather than resisting out of fear.

Nothing is too difficult when the heavenly Father paves the path. I’m learning to embrace changes that bring me closer to Him.

So, yeah, my life feels like a bit of a mess. A mess, I pray, He’ll turn into my masterpiece.

What changes do you face during this season? In what way is God calling you in a new direction?

Tune in to His Word daily and welcome God’s gift of change with gratitude. Embrace each transition as His tool to mold you into more of who He wants you to be. Join me in looking up to Him with longing eyes as He chisels away at each of us creating a masterpiece from our messes.

Exhale in His mighty hand because it’s the only place we’ll ever find real soul rest, even when times of transition feel tumultuous.

Relax in His redirection for no other reason than BECAUSE YOU LOVE AND TRUST HIM.

Dear Father, Guide us and direct us anywhere You see fit for our lives so we can serve you better. Move our hearts to embrace any change that brings us closer to You and help us discern those that don’t. Give us listening ears, obedient hearts, and minds moldable to Your will. We welcome an ever-evolving earthly existence if it serves Your purpose! Amen