Mid Week Devotional

"When Things Change"

July 18, 2021

Dirt Road

“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 7:17

This used to be my view as I ventured out for a daily jog or walk. A simple dirt road that cut through some woods to the roads I would travel. It wasn’t my road, my forest, nor did I have a say in its appearance or existence. Over the past few weeks my road of solitude was taken. Serving a different purpose, my place of peace is gone. I suppose at first I was sad that my routine and the things I counted on seeing were taken, but then I remembered my station. I am but a visitor, a guest. I was afforded the scenery for years, but it was, in the end, not my scenery so I will have to adapt.

Over the past year and a half I suppose we all have had that experience. Places and more importantly people that were in our lives may have suddenly moved from our path. Whether it was station in life, social, religious or political viewpoints, seasons of life, or even physical death; when we look back over the last year and a half there has been much loss. Which is why I frequently pray for the bereaved, for grief is everywhere and people around us are hurting. Loss of jobs, loss of friends, loss of landscape.

This is where faith comes into the picture, gentle reader! While it is easy to stay focused on only loss and hurt, I want to encourage us all to look above. Let us never forget that the Good Lord knows what is going on in our lives and in our hearts. And no matter the challenges or the hurts, God has called us, equipped us, and still very much loves us! And while we may miss familiar landscapes, God is beckoning us to journey forward perhaps to new settings and new people. God is calling us to be a light in new situations.

I know the living of these days can be a challenge. But know that we are all journeying together. As a community of Christians, let us never forget to pray. We need to have personal time of prayer daily, and we need to pray for each other! Yes, our world changes. Truth is it has always been in change. And God has called believers in every situation to remain steady. Let’s joyfully take today and say “Lord this is your day and your season! Help me bring glory to YOU today!

PRAYER: Gracious God, things change. Sometimes we get tired of the changes. Help us to hold fast to you and your love. No matter how much the world changes, your love is always there.Thanks be to God. Amen.