Thriving Through Change

By Susan Nichols, Fellowship Bible Church Rogers Celebrate Recovery Devotional Team writer, 1/29/20


“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.”  (1 Peter 4:12, NLT)

I started doing my own yard work last summer and taught myself how to use the leaf blower. I know it’s not that difficult to use, but I did have to figure out the technique. The first time I tried, the leaves blew all over the place—into the air, onto the car, and up against the garage—before settling on the ground again. As I watched them, I thought about how the Lord works. Life can be calm, but then chaos comes and everything is topsy-turvy. Eventually, things become calm once more.

The last year-and-a-half of my life has been full of change. Lots of transitions for my little family. Just like the leaves in my driveway settled back into place, God brought me through the trials, changing me in the process and settling me down as well. Though the trials were painful, He was faithful to His word:
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

I don’t know what kind of trials you are enduring right now, but I do know that what He has done for me. He walked through my trails with me, and He wants walk with you through your trials as well. 

Be encouraged by His reassurances in Psalm 30:11--
“You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.”

Dear Lord,
Thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me. Thank You for helping me through the trials I face on a daily basis. Help me to put one foot in front of the other, continually trusting in You. Sometimes it’s hard to change, but I want You to have Your way in my life. Lead me, Lord, wherever You want me to go.   ---Amen

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