John 16:12-33
Curve balls can be SCARY!! Did you notice the disciples' reactions when Jesus told them he would be leaving them in John 16:12-33? They were unsettled (kind of like we are when something unexpected happens or when our plans change). But Jesus reminds them about the Holy Spirit and lets the disciples know that even though life will be different, it will still be very good. Hmm...does this seem familiar? Think about it. Our circumstances can seem very good, fruitful, etc., but then God changes things--for the better. Initially we can't see how the change could be better for us, but with a little time, it becomes evident that God really DID know what He was doing.
So how has God used change to carry out His plan and encourage your spiritual growth, even when it didn't seem like the change was going to be a good thing? Think about it because I guarantee it's happened. Tami W.
Change is good, change is good, change is good. Sometimes I have to keep saying to myself over and over again when I'm in the middle of some change that seems anything BUT good! You're right too, in retropsect it's easy to see how God's plan was really good. Unfortunately I'm in the middle of a change right now and am having trouble thinking of a good example of past change that worked out for better than I expected. I'm going to think on it though as you suggest. I'm very certain this exercise is just what God wants me to be doing in the middle of this uncomfortable change I'm experiencing right now.
I know what you mean about change being hard. I didn't want to commute to work etc. That was a major change for me. However, God has used that change for good. For example, I have time on the bus in the morning to read my Bible. My job is probably a little more secure since I work with Federal employees. Only God knew 7 years ago when I took this job that the economy would get so bad. Change has been hard, but God showed me that He was protecting my employment by giving me this job years ago.
The verse that ministered to me in this reading is verse 33, "in the world you shall have tributlation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." I, too, am having employment issues-I have been demoted, of sorts (for doing the right thing, not the PC thing), and I will have a lot of free time on my hands doing, essentially, nothing. My trust is in God. Verse 19 says I am n0ot of this world and that's why I am hated. Bingo! That's what it's all about, good vs evil, right vs wrong, righteous vs unrighteous. My empoyer doesn't even understand why she doesn't like me, but that's the way of the worldly. Praise God, this world is not my home, I'm just passing through. My trust is in God who is my defender and my good shepherd!