Finding Peace In The Midst Of Change

For most people, change is unsettling – even the idea of it. We tend to find comfort in the known, even when the known is not working so well. Some of the top reasons people resist change include: a sense of loss of control; fear of unexpected surprises; breaking the routine and having to learn all over again; fear of failure, or at least a fear of making mistakes and producing subpar work in the learning process. If it involves a complete change in job status, such as a layoff, fears can mount exponentially.

Given this prevalent preference for the familiar, how is it possible to find peace in the midst of change, especially change that seems like a complete upheaval? I only know of one way: Faith.

I have been through many changes in my career – some welcomed, some not so much. They have included organizational restructuring, layoffs, and a complete shift in career that took twists and turns for 16 years. One very dramatic change involved moving halfway across the country with no prospects of a job. I refer to that season as my “Abraham experience”: I moved to a place where I had no connections. I had no idea what the job market looked like. And had no idea how I would fit into the culture. But I sensed God was leading me there.

The story of Abraham gives us encouragement and hope during times of change on many levels. God asked Abraham to leave everything he knew – his family, friends, home, and land – to go to a place God would “show him.” God didn’t say where, or what it would be like. God did tell Abraham – or Abram, as he started out – he would be blessed. Abram moved to foreign lands, went through famine, fought enemies, and dealt with many years of being childless. But God told him his offspring would be as numerous as the stars. Genesis 15:6 tells us, “Abram believed the Lord, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

How can we get through such times without being overwhelmed with fear and anxiety? Abraham serves as a great example:
Seek to abide in the Lord. Abraham remained close to God, seeking His will and following His direction. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have the Holy Spirit in us to guide and direct us. We abide in God by reading and studying the Bible, through prayer, and by giving thanks. When we abide in this way, we receive wisdom and guidance to take the best steps.
Learn to submit to God. Although it often did not make sense, Abraham submitted to God’s will, setting the example for us of what it looks like to be obedient. When we take matters into our own hands, we are telling God, “I’ve got this. I don’t need You.” That is a frightening thought. We always need God because we don’t know what lies ahead. But He does. And His plan is always much better than ours.
Never stop trusting God. Abraham did not have his promised son until he was 100 years old – 25 years after God first made the promise. But Abraham never stopped trusting God. When I look back on my life, I can see God has always come through. It may take time – sometimes years – but God uses the time to prepare us for the better things He has planned.

Abraham’s story has inspired me to continually stay close to God and trust Him. As you increase your reliance on God, give thanks in all circumstances, and pray specific requests, God will give you His peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7), confident in His goodness and His wondrous works.