Change
by Malcolm Wood
From the very start of the pandemic, which we are still going through, it seemed to be universally accepted that things would never be the same again. In other words, change to so many aspects of life would be inevitable. Now as things are easing here in the UK, much is being done and spoken about regarding ‘pressing the reset button’ to initiate new and improved ways of doing things. Nevertheless, there also seems to be a great desire to get back to ‘normal’ - whatever that might mean!
We all handle change differently, depending on what the circumstances are. A change of job or moving house can be an exciting challenge for some or a daunting prospect for others. However, most of us appreciate the security and confidence that a form of normality gives us. Familiar routines, systems, environments, products, and relationships become our ‘norm’ and help create our comfort zone.
However, all of us do change. None of us are the same today as we were the day we were born, and neither would we expect to be. In the same way none of us are the same today as we were yesterday. We are all a day older! Although perhaps unnoticeable to us, over the previous twenty-four hours, changes in our body have taken place. That is because we are alive, and change is a sign of life, growth and development.
This principle of life, growth and development bringing about change becomes challenging when we apply it to our spiritual life. Since accepting Jesus into our heart as Saviour, as we begin to develop a relationship with Him, and allow His Spirit and word to mould and make us into the person He wants us to be, changes in our life will take place. Jesus is wanting to change us into His likeness, and it is a process which will continue until we meet Him face to face. Paul the apostle reminds us of this when he says, ‘And the Lord -who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image’ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
It is good to make the time to reflect on our relationship with Jesus and our growth and maturity in understanding His word and ways. How we have changed since we first believed, or since last year, or even since yesterday. Have we become more like Him? We may find that some adjustments in our routines, attitudes and behaviour are needed, so that we do conform more to His will for us and allow that change to take place.
As we allow the Holy Spirit to continue His work of changing us, we will become stronger in our faith and more dependent upon Jesus. We will find comfort and assurance in Him as the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 12:8). He doesn’t change and He promised always to be with us (Matthew 28:20). We can look to Jesus for help as we face whatever changes we encounter, whether good or bad.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that, amidst all the changes that surround me, I can rely on You because You do not change. Please help me to recognise Your presence with me and know that I can face whatever changes lie ahead with You. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.
