How do you handle change? Do you freak out? Pretend not to notice? Or do you cling to the past in an attempt to gain a sense of control? Some changes are for the best—pleasant, even. But pleasant changes seem to be rarer, and uncomfortable changes seem to sneak in uninvited. Let’s face it: It can be difficult to handle change. But there is hope.
There’s nothing permanent except change
Ancient philosopher, Heraclitus, once said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” He also coined the phrase, “There is nothing permanent except change.”
It’s no secret that this world is constantly changing. Life keeps rolling. Kids keep growing. Seasons come and go.
I remember reciting wedding vows before God and a crowd of people and my heart aching as I stood over the grave of my closest friend. I remember the seconds before our daughter was born—knowing the room was about to get brighter and the bittersweet tears blurring my vision as I left my youngest baby in his Kindergarten class.
Every season of life represents changes. Some changes are good; some changes are terrible—like a freight train that can’t be stopped. And though change is inevitable, I’d argue with Mr. Heraclitus (no offense, sir) that there is nothing permanent except God.
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 NLT
It’s all about perspective, right? I can’t stop change from happening, but I can trust the One who is constant. I can’t keep this planet from spinning, but I can have faith in a God who sustains the universe.
Maybe you’re facing a job change. A health change. A relationship change. A location change. A welcomed change. A dreaded change. Maybe you’re overwhelmed and feel like you can’t handle change.
How to handle change
Change is staring us all in the face, but God doesn’t blink an eye. Malachi 3:6 says, “I am the Lᴏʀᴅ, and I do not change.” Hebrews 13:8 proclaims, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” And guess what? God has given us His truth and an eternal perspective to use as our own superpowers. We have constant access to His words and His Spirit—weapons that aren’t of this world but should be used in it.
The truth is, even we will not stay the same as He constantly renews our minds and transforms our hearts from the inside out. Change can feel scary and uncomfortable. But we don’t fear change because we know our foundation doesn’t change. We don’t even just handle change; we embrace it. If we trust God, we too will be changed for the better.
