Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether we anticipate it or not, change will always find its way into our lives. It can be exciting and welcomed, or it could be challenging and unexpected. My husband and I are in the midst of celebrating high school graduate Number Five. Within the next two years — all of my kids will launch into the next thing God has for them. Changes are coming. Big changes.

Although this is a natural transition in life, changes like these can be challenging to deal with. Along with adjusting to a quieter and more solitary lifestyle, the new season breeds uncertainty about purpose and even how to spend the time. While you and I may not have control over the events or circumstances that usher us into change, we have control over how we respond to it. One way to approach change is through prayer. A prayer to embrace change can bring us comfort, clarity, and guidance when we need it most.

Because God never intends for us to face our struggles in isolation, today, you and I will explore how the Bible speaks to seasons of epic change as well as provide a prayer for the woman who finds herself in the middle of it. When our prayers are anchored in Scripture, you and I can find a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger faith, and find comfort in the knowledge that we are loved and valued for who we are, regardless of our circumstances.

Change is Part of Life

Change is an inevitable part of life. Everything is bound to change –  people, situations, circumstances, and even nature. And I, for one, don’t always embrace it (such as high wasted anything, drastic alterations in hairstyles, and an aging, slowing metabolism). With change comes uncertainty, fear, and likely, some discomfort. Yet, even in these elements of like, the Bible is not silent. Scripture has a lot to say about change – how to navigate through it, embrace it, and grow through it.

Change is Necessary for Growth

The Bible talks about change as a necessary part of growth. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul emphasizes the need to forget the past and look towards the future, pushing forward toward one’s goal. This implies that a person cannot grow without change, and to grow, she must be willing to take a step toward the unknown.

Change is a Given

Change is also portrayed as a given. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, it says,

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

This verse implies that change is a natural part of our lives and that everything has its own appointed time. It suggests that whatever we are going through is fluid or temporary. Whether we are ready or not, or spend our energies trying to keep everything the same, change can still be expected.

Change Present a Time for Reflection

The Bible also presents change as a time for reflection. In Psalm 139:23-24, David prays, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” David’s prayer shows the importance of being introspective and being willing to acknowledge one’s shortcomings and taking all that personal baggage to the Lord in prayer.

God Uses Change to Accomplish His Purpose and Plan

One of the most famous examples of change in the Bible is the story of Saul’s transformation into Paul. Acts 9:1-19, tells how Saul was a persecutor of the early Christians but on his way to Damascus had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life forever. This encounter caused Saul to convert to Christianity, and he became one of the most significant figures in Christian history. Without the conversion of Saul into Paul, we would not have over half the New Testament writings. In fact, without Paul’s acceptance and embrace of the transformation or changes God was doing in and through his life, you and I might never have heard the Gospel. Saul’s life and ministry remind us that often God uses change to accomplish His own purposes and plans.

God Uses Change to Do Something New

God takes us into a season of change because He is ready to do something new in and through our lives. So often, we are fearful and hesitant. We dig our heels into the familiar ways and the knowns of our lives, unaware of what God is doing. It is these moments, we need to remember Who He is. Ours is a God who makes the impossible possible. He makes a way where there is no way. He restores what we believe is beyond saving. Surely, God has your good in mind when He calls us into seasons of change, whatever they might be.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

Let us be women who embrace change, allowing God to do what He will with our lives. Who knows. He might be positioning and growing you to change a family, to reach an apartment complex, to give witness to the next generation, or to point people to Jesus who may not have heard otherwise. May we pray to embrace whatever changes God might have in mind for us.

A Prayer for Embracing Change

Dear God,

I come before you today to pray for your divine guidance and strength for the woman who is fearful of change. Lord, I know that change can be overwhelming and scary at times, but I also understand that change is often necessary for us to grow and become the people you have called us to be. Sometimes change is essential to accomplish all that You desire in her and through her. 

I pray that you will give her courage and confidence in the face of uncertainty. Help her to trust in Your character, Your plan and Your presence in her life.

Amen

XOXOXO

Before you Go

Don’t forget to check out the latest FREE reading plan available from YouVersion!

Have you received Cheri’s FREE gift to you? For a limited time, get 3 resources to help you experience more of God in your everyday life. It’s filled with practical help for living out what really matters. (Hurry because this gift is going away soon.)

DOWNLOAD NOW

For the one who feels invisible, largely passed over, and insignificant – Cheri has created a resource for you. Grab your copy of Can You See Me, Now? Good news for the lonely, left out, and less than today.

Buy the Book 

WAIT! THERE’S MORE.

If you would like to become a part of the private FB group, She Prays, we would love to have you. Click the image to join.

You can meet Cheri on the She Yearns blog for more truth-saturated, Gospel-centered encouragement like this: