Change, you give me the heebie-jeebies!

Change is a constant. I made my new years resolution but sometimes the challenges of the new year make the difficulties of the last year seem like a walk in the park. Ever felt like that? I'm not sure about you - but God is stretching me. Its a rather difficult and sometimes painful process of refining that requires a change in the way I look at my situations and circumstances. As James says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing", James 1:2-4. In my personal walk, the promise of Isaiah 54:2-5 causes my spirit to soar but my soul to be crippled by the fear of the process. The promise that He will:

“Enlarge the place of your tent,

stretch your tent curtains wide,

do not hold back;

lengthen your cords,

strengthen your stakes.

For you will spread out to the right and to the left;

your descendants will dispossess nations

and settle in their desolate cities."

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.

Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.

You will forget the shame of your youth

and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.

For your Maker is your husband—

the Lord Almighty is his name—

the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;

He is called the God of all the earth." --- Isaiah 54:2-5.

The words 'do not be afraid' were given to men and women in the Bible before something big happened. Mary, Joshua, Joseph, etc. I also realise that they had great faith for the unprecedented events that they had been placed center-stage in. These lives show me that through Christ, all things are possible. Trusting and holding on to the promise of having a greater influence and having God with me through it all is where I find strength. The knowledge that His grace will always see me through is what I keep in my heart. My new years resolution is to have an intimate relationship with my Saviour, be a person that is changed beautifully inside-out and equipped for His good work. Having tons of fun in the process is a given ;).