Shifting

My favorite questions on an exam are multiple choice. When given four simple options to answer a question, the process of responding is simple. Now, ask me to randomly fill in a blank, and my mind goes numb for a few minutes. For instance, what word fills this blank for you, “Change brings ________?”

A quick google search gives some popular answers—opportunity, growth, anxiety, fear, uncertainty, fulfillment, and the list goes on. Regardless of our reaction to new ways, they are coming. Without a shift from old to new, we can’t “…leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity…” Hebrews 6:1. The Lord is calling us to follow the path He is lighting and that path requires a willingness to discover the unknown. In some of us, the thought of change truly invokes feelings like fear and anxiety which are not part of God’s plan for us.

Peter balked at change when Jesus told him that He would be put to death in Matthew 16:21-22. Jesus responds by rebuking Satan. Why? Because a new way was coming, Peter feared how it may look and fear is of Satan. Without change, there is no room for growth, opportunity, and fulfillment. Prophecy had to be fulfilled.

The Lord knows our tendency as humans to err on the side of caution when facing a shift from old to new. He gave us clear instructions on how to move forward into unfamiliar territory. We must lean into the Lord and trust Him with our feelings. “I sought the Lord…He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4. “When anxiety was great with in me, [His] consolation brought me joy.” Psalms 94:19. “Do not be cautious [anxious] about anything, but with prayer and petition present your requests to God.” Phi 4:6.

The bible is overflowing with stories of people who struggled with being called to a new path. Jonah ended up in the belly of a whale, Lot’s wife was turned to salt, Gideon “fleeced” the Lord, Abraham fathered Ishmael, Jeremiah thought he was too young, and Moses begged for Aaron to do his talking. In all these stories, only those who leaned onto the Lord and trusted Him with their emotions eventually walked in obedience to God’s calling. As their feet hit the path lit before them, fear and anxiety faded into the shadows behind them. Their faith in the Lord opened doors they never imagined.

When we come to a set of crossroads in life, and it’s time to choose between yesterday’s ways and tomorrow’s uncharted journey remember the successes of those who went before us. Instead of digging our heels in and holding onto what feels comfortable, fill in the blank with trust and obedience. The Lord will fill the pages of our future with what is best for us— “For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.

I thank You, Jesus, for the comfort and peace You give me when it’s time to shift into uncertainty. Continue to press me forward into the depths of Your plan for my life. Show me how my obedience and trust in Your love for me are growing Your Kingdom. Let my past, present and future bring You glory. In Jesus’ name.