Change


 Change. Life is full of changes, some of which we want and plan for, and others that happen to us whether we want them or not.  It can be difficult when you realize you really have no control over anything. We all like to think we have control over things in our lives, but the Bible tells us, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). We can and should make plans, but ultimately, God is in control of all things. When we go through things we don't really want to, it can be easy to start questioning God and His plan, but it's at times like those that we really need to lean on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Trust in God, and He will make your path straight. The Bible often speaks about life like a path or a race: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13-14). God doesn't lie to us; He tells us this life is hard, but the straight and narrow path leads to something so amazing and far beyond our comprehension. James 4:14 compares life to a mist that is here for a short time and then vanishes, so while it may feel like things drag on and life can feel like one bad thing after another, it is only temporary. This life? It won't last forever. But after this? An eternity. Either you live for God now and live in perfection with Him later, or you give up that beautiful eternity for a life of temporary things that never truly satisfy. So yes, we may go through changes we don't like, and we may feel like things are out of our control, but trust. Trust that God loves His children and will do what's best for you. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done" (Matthew 16:26-27). Live for what comes after this life, live for God. Trust in the one who holds all things in His hands, and know that He works all things together for our salvation. "Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation" (Psalm 68:19).

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