"For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." (Malachi 3:6)
Life involves changes. Some changes are short-term while others are long-term and still others are permanent. Some changes are to be expected or anticipated while others are unforeseen, humanly speaking. In 2020, there have been lots of changes brought about by COVID-19. The virus was unexpected and the ensuing changes unprecedented. In that context, life will never again be the same. Many families, communities and all nations have experienced tragedy on a scale that was previously unthinkable. It's as if change was dumped on us without an input from us; all we could do was to react to change. We thank God for the opportunity to react, the result of which has mitigated some of the effects. But we are still some way from the final solution. The consequent swing (change) in economies, standard of living, business practices and fortunes, public interactions and restrictions, travel rules and regulations, immigration policies, academic calendars, etc. have dumbfounded the multitude. We have experienced unbelievable and unprecedented change.
As we approach 2021, it is fair to say that many individuals are evaluating 2020 and anticipating change in 2021. Some individuals are planning to make changes for the better in specific areas while others are bracing themselves for unforeseen changes. Whichever way one looks at the situation, changes (expected, anticipated or unforeseen) will determine what decisions people make, whether good or bad. Talk about the dynamics of change! Mind-boggling experience!!
A new year is around the corner. We have all added one year to our age, drawing us closer to our expiry date. Change is all around us. Governments come and go; technological advancements usher in the development of new appliances, gadgets, educational methods and procedures, fashion, culture, etc. In a sense, change is inevitable. Yet, not everything changes. Some things are unchangeable. One thing that will not change is change itself.
In the midst of change, there is constancy, unchangeability, predictability, assurance and certainty. Sounds like some science fiction theory, right? How can there be permanence or predictability in chaos? It is simple but profound. The answer is GOD. Unchangeability belongs to God. God never changes and consequently His Word is not only truth but immutable. Jesus, God the Son, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Matthew 24:35)
God said that His Word will not return to Him void but will accomplish what He pleases, prospering in what He has sent it forth. With God, change is not part of His vocabulary. Don't you think it is a good idea to be on God's side? He will not flip-flop like the politicians; He will not give excuses; He will accomplish what He has promised; He will hear and answer our prayers; He will never fail. God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9).
While it is reasonable to expect change in 2021 and not to put our hope in temporary things and situations, it is advisable for us to look up to the Unchangeable One - our God of all creation, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. He is the Creator of the universe, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He is GOD, the great I AM THAT I AM. He is the essence of life, the meaning to earthly existence, Reason for Christmas, the Architect of the space and planets. He is indescribable, incomprehensible, invincible and untameable, uncontainable, unchangeable, incomparable, unfathomable and the list goes on. He is Jehovah and truly amazing. Will you trust Him today?
The Bible says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
There is a record in the Bible of Jesus commanding the storm to be still. "And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:37-41)
Jesus was asleep on a pillow while there was a great windstorm around the boat He was in. Talk about having full control! The disciples were afraid. The devil can use uncertainty to generate fear. In the boat, Jesus, the Son of God and God the Son was in control. He simply awoke and rebuked the storm. He can rebuke the storms in your life today. Call on Him and He will answer. You don't have to fear change, uncertainty, or the storms of life. Jesus can and will see you through if you allow Him. So, in the midst of all sorts of changes, victory is sure in 2021, if you surrender all to God. It is my prayer that you would be encouraged to walk by faith and not by sight in 2021.
Have a blessed day.
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