“It is he who changes the times and the seasons” (Daniel 2:21)
A lot of change has happened in America this past year. We now have a pandemic that has affected our way of life. Our schedules are not what they were a year ago. Going out to dinner has been modified into takeout and delivery. The family dining room has become the kid’s classroom. Meetings, doctor appointments, and family gatherings are now accomplished through online and web conferencing platforms. Hospital visitation is a thing of the past. Our home offices have been transformed into our company workstations. Worship is streamed rather than assembled. Matching our face masks to our attire has become a normal part of our daily styling regiment. The news is no longer full of the day’s weather and helpful information, only who is rioting where. Disagreement has turned into hatred. And truth has been lost in all the mayhem. It’s maddening! And if you are like me, some days you just want the world to stop so you can get off the merry-go-round.
But I want us to think about the possibility that God is allowing some positive things to happen in our lives through all this transformation. I have talked to several women recently who agree with me that we are enjoying being home more. I find I have more time to think things through. My prayers have become more focused because I don’t have a laundry list of things I need to get done running through my mind. I am also enjoying getting caught-up on some reading. I do laundry less often. I get to sneak in naps. Because Reid and I are limiting ourselves to just a couple of friends at a time, we are finding our fellowship with them sweeter. And we are saving nearly $150 a month in groceries because we are going to the store biweekly rather than weekly. (Do not ask me how that has happened. Some things you just thank God for and don’t ask questions). We can probably all attest to the fact that we are saving a ton of gas money each month. Mothers and fathers are spending more time with their children, as well as one another. Good things come in unusual and unexpected ways!
My point is that change does not have to be a bad thing. If we believe God is in control of ALL that changes in our lives and in the world, we can respond to change rather than react to it. God not only changes the seasons from fall to winter, from spring to summer; he changes the events in the world. And he does it all with sovereign reason and purpose. The chaos, turmoil and unrest we are seeing in America and the world merely reveals how sinful man reacts to God’s plan to usher in the End Times.
Our future is bright only because we know who controls it. Change is but a catalyst to escort us into that bright future. We do not need to fear. Though the world changes around us, our Father tells us that “he does not change.” (Malachi 3:6). So, embrace the changes God wants to make in your life. Going home is getting near.
Darlene