Change, Changing and Changed

It has been said that the only thing that is constant is change. While that may be true for earthly things, it isn't true about God. 

“I am the Lord, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed.”

Malachi 3:6 NLT

People change, circumstances change and I am no exception. I am a human being and, wow, do I have circumstances. These circumstances, that we all have in varying forms, change us. It's inevitable. Not only do they change us, but they change those closest to us. 

I'm not sure which is more difficult, adjusting to the changes in oneself or the changes in those around us? What if you don't particularly like the person you've changed into, or worse, the person who is closest to you has changed into? What if they don't like who you have become?

Change is hard and it is fraught with challenges to seemingly no end. As hard as it is, we have to try to focus on the One who is, as the song, One Thing Remains says, "constant in the trial and the change."

 Perhaps if we keep our attention on the one who never changes, he will guide us through these changes and, through it all, change us in the process.

5 YEARS

Years ago, in college, I was taught not to expect positive change or growth in the first five years of a ministry position, that it would take that long to even gain a little traction.

Soon after starting my present position, being the naive, older, first-time lead pastor, I was excited as more and more people began attending services. 

The problem is that when I got excited over increased numbers, I also got discouraged over the decreasing numbers that followed. 

Fast forward 5 years, as of Christmas Day, and I've learned to measure something far more valuable and telling than numbers - depth.

Even now we see signs of spiritual maturity among the people we have grown to love. As we become more like Christ together, God's specific mission for the church has become clear.

Looking back, I am thankful for the wise teaching of that particular professor. Five years and we are finally getting started.