We are living in a massive time of change! Not only are we coming to the end of the summer with the trees starting to shed their summer coats, but our whole country, and world, is going through massive changes too.
Environmentally, we are seeing changes in our weather; from summers of extreme heat, to winters of extreme cold. Politically, we are going through a massive time of change, with political parties jostling for power and position. By the time you read this the government leadership contest will be over, so we’ll be in for more change; good or bad!
And even at this time of year some of our churches and minsters will be facing change as the stationing process takes place.
And I know that each one of us will have our own list of changes which have affected us personally.
All this change can leave us with a sense of uncertainty and can unsettle us. But within the book of Malachi God reveals something of His character when He says; ‘I the Lord do not change.’ [Malachi 3:6 NIV] The same is revealed about Jesus in the book of Hebrews; ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ [Hebrews 13:8 NIV]
Many of our hymns also reiterate this unchanging promise…
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
[51 STF v1]
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
[351 STF v1]
So, as we prepare ourselves for whatever the future brings, remember we have an unchanging God. So, step out on His promises, as these, never change. I leave you with a quote; “I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future.” [attributed to Homer, ancient Greek author]
Every blessing,
Pastor Steve