WHAT TO REMEMBER
1. CHANGE IS UNAVOIDABLE
"As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest,cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night." Genesis 8:22 (NLT)
There is no growth without change
There is no change without loss
There is no loss without grief
There is no grief without pain
2. CHANGE IS NOT ALWAYS GOOD, BUT GODUSES IT FOR GOOD!
"We know that in all things God works for the good of those wholove him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)
3. GOD'S PURPOSE IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE IS TOMAKE ME MORE LIKE JESUS!
"We know that God causes everything to work together for the
goodof those who love him and are called to his purpose for them. For God knew in advance, who would come to him, and he chose them to become like his Son . . ." Romans 8:28-29 (NLT)
"Endurance builds character and character produces hope." Romans 5:4
4. GOD CAN USE EVEN HUMAN ERROR & SIN
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good toaccomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
5. EVERY CHANGE IS ALWAYS A TEST OF MY FAITH!
"The purpose of these troubles is to test your faith as fire testshow genuine gold is. Your faith is more precious than gold, and bypassing the test, it gives praise, glory, and honor to God." 1 Peter 1:7 (GW)
WHAT TO DO when i'm stressed by changes
1. INVEST MORE TIME ALONE WITH GOD
"Don't you know that the Lord is the everlasting God, and he created everything on this earth? And he never grows tired or weary . . . Instead, he gives strength to those who are weary and worn out; and he gives power to the weak. Even young people become exhausted and want to give up. BUT those who trust and wait on the Lord will find new strength, flying high like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They'll keep going and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)
Action Plan: Evaluate the quality of your current alone time with God. Do you spend time reading God's Word, talking to God, and pausing in quiet to listen to God? Do you do all these daily, no matter what your schedule is like? Commit in your heart and somewhere on paper to make this your daily priority every day for the next month.
2. ASK GOD TO HELP ME SEE HIS PERSPECTIVE
"God let the people of Israel see his mighty ACTIONS, but he revealed his WAYS to Moses." Psalm 103:7
"If you need wisdom - just ask God for it! God is generous and he'll gladly tell you what you need." Jam. 1:5 (NLT)
3. INSTEAD OF ASKING "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?"ASK GOD: WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO LEARN?
"I've learned the secret of being content in any and everysituation, no matter what happens. I can live when I have more than I need or when I don't have enough. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me." Ph. 4:12-13
Action Plan: List out all the possible lessons you can learn your most challenging, current situation. Ask God to show you the lessons He has appointed for you to learn. Track you progress this week on what God has taught you.
4. FOCUS ON WHAT NEVER CHANGES
"I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jer. 31:3
". . . The Word of God shall stand forever." Isa. 40:8 (NLT)
"His plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally." Psalm 33:11
5. KEEP TELLING GOD: I TRUST YOU NO MATTER WHAT
"The righteous man does not fear bad news, nor live in dread ofwhat might happen. For he is settled in his mind that God will takecare of him." Psalm 112:7
"Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid! And evenif enemies attack me from all sides, I will still trust God!" Psalm 27:3
Action Plan: Write on a few 3x5 index cards your personal statement of I trust You, God, no matter what. Put them on your desk, fridge, bathroom mirror, car sun visor. Remind yourself throughout each day this week.