"Ready for Change?"

 

“Ready for Change?”

 

In 2009 Karen and I moved from New Hampshire to South Carolina. God had been preparing us for this transition for several years so when the moving truck showed up we were ready for the next steps in our journey, but not for a couple of unexpected wrinkles. But with His help we got through them and settled into our new home for the next five years before heading to Florida where we now reside.

Relocating to a new area brings adjustments. In our case it included getting used to southern cultural trends and building new relationships (not to mention 100 degree summers). And as I entered health care chaplaincy after 41 years of pastoring I became the listener more than the speaker and found myself in the pew rather than the pulpit. As we’ve lived out Solomon’s wise words, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven….” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) we’ve seen God’s hand guiding and providing for us in ways we never expected—to Him go the glory and gratitude!

Sometimes God’s people face conditions calling for living differently from what we’ve been accustomed to, maybe for decades. Health, family, financial and other circumstances may necessitate leaving our comfort zone for uncharted territory. God’s prophet reminds us, “The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too.” (Isaiah 58:11, NLT). Years ago I brought a message on change, stressing that it’s inevitable and intimidating but also inspiring as we give ourselves to God (“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:6, NASB).

Churches and other ministries may also find themselves at a crossroads due to internal and external challenges. An overlooked account in 1 Chronicles 23 describes changing conditions in Israel. David had established Jerusalem as the nation’s center of government and worship and the tabernacle, which for centuries had been carried from place to place by an assigned group of Levites, was now located in the capital which meant, in David’s words, “Since the Lord, the God of Israel, has granted rest to his people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever, the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles used in its service.” (1 Chronicles 23:25-26). But God had new plans for them: “…Their duty was to help the sons of Aaron in the service of the house of the Lord….” (1 Chronicles 23:28, NKJV). We see here that some ministries are for a season (our New Hampshire Associate Mike Conneally called this a “shelf life”) so leadership must be ready and willing to step out in faith to meet the needs of those they’re called to serve and “…be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21).

Are we/Am I ready for change?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan