Words to Grow On

Archieve Devotions

September 4, 2004

"Changes"

By:

Sherrylyn Moore

"I, the Lord, do not change." Mal. 3:6a

Changes ..they are inevitable, aren't they? It's just a fact of life. For example, as you are perusing this devotional deciding if it peaks your interest, you are getting older by the second. Wait! Don't stop reading! I know, I know, devotionals are supposed to lift your spirits not cause you depression. But I do have a point to make - Change can be a good thing! It's all in your perspective.

A few days ago my daughter and I were chatting when suddenly we remembered that Oprah was having her big birthday bash. The big 5-0! We were able to catch the last 10 minutes. It became glaringly apparent that Oprah just reveled in the fact that she was half-a-century old. "Humph! Milestones," I thought.

I can vividly remember turning 30, and what a monumental event it was. The following year in my life brought physical changes . Three to be exact, and they weren't pretty! First, I slammed my fingers in the van door which caused me to cry profusely like a baby; secondly, I sprained my ankle putting me on crutches for four weeks; and to top it all off, I bonded with my then six year old daughter as we shared the chicken pox!

You can just imagine my sense of foreboding and trepidation as my 40 th birthday approached! What would this year bring? Unlike Oprah, I did not want a party; in fact, I wanted life to move along in its customary fashion. God had other plans.

You can probably surmise that turning 40 was no picnic! But as I look back over the past ten years I see tremendous change in my life. Okay, Miss Clairol has taken up residence in my home; however, I'm not just talking about outward change, but inward changes as well.

During my mid 30's, my husband and I had a major change in our appointed ministries. I was pushed outside my comfort zone, and being one who needs to feel in control, (did I mention I tend to be a perfectionist?) began to feel inadequate and frustrated. Why would God put me in this situation? Am I able to perform the task set before me? I knew that I would succeed, whatever the cost, for I was a "doer" and would not fail.

This need to "get it right" began to take its toll. I looked for human support but was afraid to show my weakness. When I did, I felt it was used against me. I was experiencing the "dark night of the soul" as I cried out to God to reveal Himself to me. I yearned to have an intimate relationship with God, to be loved and accepted with my faults and weaknesses. He answered "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer. 29:13

This began my journey of deep inward change as I spent countless hours in despair and meditation. And again he spoke, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9 That was six years ago and the journey continues.

Yes, change is inevitable, but God is constant. "I, the Lord, do not change." Mal. 3:6a

And what have I learned on this journey? Most importantly that it is not about what I do, but who I am in Christ.

So what will my 40's hold? God knows. I must continue to take the journey and willingly accept the changes that are inevitable for the body as well as the soul!