CHANGE
Sometimes change is dreaded; sometimes
change is desirable. For many, there is nothing more daunting than the
prospect of major changes in familiar routines and regimens. New conditions
potentially produce attacks of anxiety and morbid fears of the unknown.
However, some may welcome and embrace life-changes as golden opportunities to
forge fresh connections with growth or restoration.
Allow me to cite two diametrically-opposite
Biblical examples:
Jacob submitted to Laban’s requirement of
indentured servitude to gain the hand of his lovely daughter, Rachel.
However, his employer resorted to deceptive practices to ‘marry off’ both
daughters, Leah and Rachel. As a result, Jacob worked a total of twenty
years to fulfill the terms of the betrothal covenant and to offer a substantial
endowment of cattle. Jacob did not anticipate such an extended time frame
and was not happy with this unexpected life-detour. Even in their animal
transaction, Laban intended to slight Jacob, but God intervened with a creative
strategy by which Jacob prevailed and prospered. (Genesis, chapter 31)
Genesis 31:6-7;41
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me and CHANGED my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father hath deceived me and CHANGED my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
Although Laban designed contractual changes and embraced
deceptive methods to gain the upper hand over Jacob, GOD allowed this grandson
of Patriarch Abraham, this father of Israel’s twelve tribes, to prosper.
On the other hand, Job was totally desirous of
change. His life situation had completely deteriorated – in very sudden
and catastrophic ways. Virtually overnight, Job lost his children, his
health, his wealth, his wife’s goodwill and his closest friends’ support.
In that quagmire of absolute loss, Job’s mind pondered eternity: “If a man die,
shall he live again?” Nevertheless, he answered his own question with
great faith and intestinal fortitude: “All the days of my appointed time will I WAIT, till my CHANGE comeS.”
(Job 14:14) In the end, God reversed and restored Job’s tragic losses, and his
latter years were more blessed than his former.
While these two situations seem to be
radically different, they possess one common thread. Whether we are
happily experiencing changes in which we delight, or struggling desperately
with changes we dread, our GOD is absolutely in control. Both Jacob and
Job prevailed over their detractors and circumstances. For both parties,
the element of PATIENCE was a necessary prerequisite to personally experiencing
divine favor and blessing. Jesus Christ declares to us across time and
eternity, “By your patience possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19)
Therefore, in case it does not ‘look like’
you are winning, please remember that GOD is always up to something behind the
scenes. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Winner-Believer, walk in faith and patience, and you will overcome any changes and
outlast any challenges that may come your way.
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