My wife and I are undergoing some major changes. As we move from where we have lived, worked, and ministered for the past 18 years, into a new phase of ministry, we realize it will involve many changes. Perhaps you are facing some changes in your life. Consider some change points that may help you face change constructively.

First – look at CHANGE POSITIVELY. Without changes in our life, we tend to become stale, lackadaisical, and settle for the mediocre and routine. We may find ourselves in a rut. A rut has been described as being a grave with both ends knocked out. God allows or brings about change for a purpose. (See Romans 8:28.) Just as a mother eagle knows when it is time to stir up the nest so that the eaglets will get out and learn to fly, so God uses change to teach and develop us.

After listing many of the difficulties and changes that he went through, the Apostle Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13). You can face change positively if you allow the Lord to be “the author and finisher of your faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Second – CHANGE PERSPECTIVE. A great artist is a master of perspective. How do you perceive change? You cannot judge the beauty of a tapestry by viewing the backside. During changes, we many times can only see the backside. But God sees the finished work.

Life is so transitory, but God is eternal. Believers in Christ are to live as pilgrims. This world is not our home. Wise Solomon reminds us that there is a time and a season for everything. (See Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.) Keep change in perspective.

Third – consider CHANGE’S PROMISES. Trusting in God and His promises gives stability and security during change. The only thing in life not subject to change is God. “I am the Lord, I change not; therefore; you sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). Mediate on and believe His promises. (See Psalm 46, 91, and Hebrew 13:8, 15.)

Fourth – CHANGE PATHS. As our Shepherd leads us, the path may be steep or wind through a dark lonesome valley. He always leads never does he drive us. (See Psalm 23.) Abraham chose to leave the familiar at God’s calling and follow into an unknown land. Moses was 80 years old when God commissioned him to change his route back to Egypt. Paul had a God encounter that put him on a new road. (See Acts 9.) A beloved theology professor willingly changed his classroom for a nursing room to care full time for his wife, an Alzheimer patient. In whatever path God leads you, He always has a purpose and a blessing if we follow in faith and obedience. (See Matthew 11:28-01 and 16:24.)

Fifth – CHANGE PERSONS. Have you ever heard someone remark, “They’ve changed?” Perhaps some event or happening changed them. The greatest changes happen inside of us. Jesus revealed that one must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God. (See John 3:3.) A powerful spiritual change occurs by the Holy Spirit when one receives Christ into their heart by faith. Paul says, “If anyone is in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are become new” (II Corinthians 5:17). What a change!

Chuck Colson had a life changing experience and wrote a book Born Again. He then changed from politics to prison ministry. He soon learned that lasting change happens with a daily walk with God. God’s Word will renew our mind and bring continuing transformation. (See Isaiah 40:29-31 and Romans 12:1-2.)

Sixth – CHANGE PLACES. Changing places will never make us completely happy on earth. Many times, we take our problems with us and no place on earth is free from problems. But there is a place free from sorrow, suffering, and sin. God has destined all who will believe to be there. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions . . . I go to prepare a place for you . . . I will come again to receive you unto myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:1-6).

I’m looking forward to that great change. That is the believer’s hope and rejoicing. Our bodies will be changed. Our place will change. It won’t be long. (See I Corinthians 15:51-54.) Jesus changed places with us. He went to the cross that we might have a place in the Son and a place in Heaven.

You can face changes in your life constructively by putting faith in God who loves you. God has a purpose and place for you. You must make a reservation to go there.
A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

C - Confess and leave your sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)