James 1:17New International Version (NIV)
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
We all have seasons of change in our lives. Change occurs when you get married. Change occurs when you have children. Change happens as a loved one or friend passes away. Change can bring joy, sorrow, anxiousness, and loneliness.
Yet, James says all change is a perfect gift. In my life change has occurred in a job and a community. It is a homecoming doing ministry in my home town.
I believe that all of my life experiences as a builder, working in manufacturing, leading men’s ministry, and being an associate pastor brought me to this point in life.
For me, not only am I not a young man, I am not even a middle aged man. I am entering the senior years of my life. I must say that I have never felt more excited for this new change than all the other changes put together.
I see the Lord’s hand and his mission on my life. I have my wife right by my side, and that is also confirmation for me. You see, change can bring fear and anxiety, and I cannot deny that I experience both at times. But here is the key element, I will keep my eyes fixed on the prize, and that is to be with my Lord and Savior, King Jesus. He is the lover of my soul. With that, I step into that change. Allow the good and the bad to build your life and to accept his changes.
Strength and Courage
Michael
