Change Is Tough, You're Tougher

The inevitable future has been hard to wrap my mind around the past few weeks. I'll be graduating in a year and a half and others will also be leaving before me or moving to something else. It's hard to understand and even harder to realize that they won't be with me all the time. My church back home is also going through a really big change. Everyone is worried about the future, but the truth of the matter is the future of our church is in the Lord's hands. It is His house and if we are built on the solid foundation of His teaching it will prosper how He wants it to. The point of this is to say I absolutely cannot stand change. I enjoy the way things are and have no desire to move or switch to something different. That being said, the Lord loves change and despite what I feel He knows what is best for me and for others, all I simply have to do is trust that He is faithful. 

Jesus told His disciples that He would have to go away for a while but He would return again (John 14:28). Of course they didn't understand what He meant at the time but this is a version of the change I'm talking about that is hard to accept. Whether that means having to physically leave the earth yourself, watch someone else leave, being put into a new situation, or even a change of leadership, it is all tough to watch and come to terms with. That's being said, the Lord prepared us for this change because as Christians we know that one day there will be the greatest change of all, our eternal destination. Our forever home is not earth and all of us as Christians have to accept the mindset that everything you've done on this earth is futile unless it is to benefit the kingdom of God. He called us to make disciples by living every day for Him. We change circumstances because He needs us to reach the lost and go after His flock. Yes, it might not be what we want but it's what others need. Being comfortable is nice but others need us to change in order for them to hear the good news that Jesus died for them.

Although it is sad and heartbreaking for others to leave we can still rejoice in the fact that there were precious memories made and the future will still hold good things as well. You still have time left and regardless of what will happen know that your Lord and Savior is always in control of each circumstance. People will come and go but God is a constant figure in your lives. He comforts you in times of heartache and rejoices with you when you see the goodness of His decisions. Regardless of where you are He is there too. Remember that especially when this world can break your heart in more ways than one.

May the peace and love of God be with you always,

Leah Carpenter

p.s. to the people of G204 thank you for loving me, you mean more to me than you'll ever know.