Autumn is almost upon us! While the decreasing summer heat is a thing of beauty in itself, so is the transitioning of the environment around us. Fall brings us an array of gorgeous warm-colored plant life that reminds us of two things:
1) Change is essential to life.
2) There is beauty in letting go.
"For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven."-Ecclesiastes 3:1
As human beings, we are creatures of habit. Even when we desire change, we fight it and cling to what is familiar because it is comfortable. Whether it is routines, jobs, relationships, or locations, change is hard! The hardest thing of all is changing your mind, especially when you have set your own plans into place and assured yourself that it is the right thing to do. How do you handle change when it goes against what you thought you should, could, or want to do?
Let's consider this:
Growth is a natural consequence of change. What does not change can become stagnant, then rots away. The same biological process applies to every aspect of our lives: old mindsets can poison your thinking, and old habits can destroy your body or keep your life at a standstill until all hope dies! God does not want that for you!
It is God's will that we live abundantly ( John 10:10), to our fullest God-given potential, and not out of selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3). From before the beginning of time, God had a plan for us. He created us with unique talents and abilities that He intended to be used for good works (Ephesians 2:10). We should not limit ourselves nor limit God's reign in our lives by being unwilling to change ourselves in any capacity. The way to embrace the changes God is orchestrating in our lives is to trust His provision, timing, and direction. He wants the very best for us and has plans for us that exceed our limited human expectations.
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." - Proverbs 16:9
Written by Ashley R. (Flourishing Faith Ministries - Editor)