Out of Change Comes Great Opportunities!
In my time working in corporate America previous to entering into ministry, I saw a lot of change. In fact, as I moved through my 24 years, change occurred at a faster and faster pace. At certain times, one change did not even settle in before another one occurred. Startup adjustment would begin all over again with every change. It got downright frustrating trying to keep up. It was not easy, and quite frankly; it can be likened to trying to hit a moving target. Problem is for a guy like me, I truly have problems hitting a target while standing still, let alone a quickly moving one. Moving targets naturally can become very infuriating and/or result in many negative emotions when trying to hit the bulls’ eye. At least it did for me early on. I managed, coached, and mentored many co-workers; those who similarly went through the same thing I did when things changed. But as the years rolled on and with experience, I started looking at change in a new way; in a very different way. It was a way that brought a lot more positive emotion. Based on this, the advice I used to give others, including myself about change was this: look for great new opportunities when changes occur. Grab hold of the changes. Instead of having negative emotions due to change, start adjusting your impulse to something like this, “How can we take hold of this change and find wonderful new opportunities to get started/involved with as a result of the change?” It is not easy to change an old pattern of reacting; that is true. But it is possible…it happened personally for me. It does take discipline to do so, but praise the Lord He gave us an instruction manual on how to do it. And the instructions work perfectly!
So you ask, where is he going with this post and how does it relate to God and current circumstances we face in this world? Well I’m glad you asked! This is how – even amidst ungodly changes; there is great opportunity to be taken advantage of. For instance, out of all the insanity taking place right now in the world, for me it led to two spontaneous conversations with people I know, but whom I do not believe are true Christ-followers. They actually started the conversations. They have a lot of questions about this current worldly turmoil. I am glad to help either one in any way I could, especially to share with them the amazing hope that I have. That hope is in the future to come. I truly am looking forward to such a glorious guaranteed future; I hardly can contain all my excitement about what is to come. The current circumstances faced in the world are a temporary inconvenience, to be honest. People need to know that. Our current situation is just like a ship passing in the night. Here today, gone tomorrow. But the glorious future coming…hey I don’t want to rush into it if God does not want me to. But if He chose to accelerate His plan to get me there sooner, I would not complain one bit. And by the way, that magnificent future will last eternally.
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. (2 Cor 4:17)
So in the great changes we are seeing, look for opportunities to share the GOOD NEWS – all who are true Christ-followers! In fact, it is not good news, but it is GREAT NEWS!
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet 3:15).
And although this promise was given specifically to Israel, it applies to all true Christ-followers… “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer 29:11)
For an electronic version of the GREAT NEWS, click here: https://knowgod.com/en/fourlaws/
Now if you are not confident in the amazing future to come, or you do not know anything about the details of it, or maybe your faith is starting to waver amongst all the turmoil, reach out to someone who is sure footed during these times. Look for the person who lives rightly, according to God’s Word, and is demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control when that doesn’t seem to fit how someone should be living during tumultuous times. Although these people are few and far between, they want to share their amazing faith with you and tell you about the GREAT NEWS! It is news that brings everlasting joy and peace!! All those who have questions, seek out these peculiar people. Look for the true believer in the Lord! Conversely, if you are a true Christ-follower, seek out as many as you can who have questions. There are plenty of people out there. You just have to be bold enough to find them. This is the best time in history to be a Christ-follower – opportunities abound! Do not fear the change. Instead, step up to the challenge and take hold of all the wonderful new opportunities to share your faith due to the current changes, and continue to do so with all the changes that are to come, whether they are Godly or not.
Don’t be one of those people struggling through these times, but instead be a person that sees the great opportunity in change, is open to being changed themselves, and/or willing to help others change in Godly ways. Be the person who has an inexpressible and glorious joy due to the salvation of their soul despite any and all circumstances now happening. It’s possible you know. Just trust in HIM!!!
Maranatha!!!