Face the Changes

"I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." Malachi 3.6

Changes are rough, no matter what it is.  I know I have written about this before but I want to address it again.  I want to encourage you and give hope. 

When we became widowed, the overwhelming changes can sweep you away like an ocean current.  Trust me..I know this all too well.  So many decisions to make, so many questions need to be answered, so many concerns we aren't prepared to face. 

I know these changes can feel like icebergs and you are sailing toward them like the Titantic.  I know when I first became a widow, I had to make some fast and big decisions about Kirk's business and how to proceed with closing the business and paying off his debts.  I sought help and advice from my family, namely my dad since he is also a business owner.  He made so many calls for me and pointed me toward a great lawyer and from there we were able to knock out each situation and issue one by one.  From there I made decisions slowly, methodically, and in my own time.  Day by day, month by month, and now year by year; I faced each change and found a "new normal".

Once I got through the rough changes, I started looking forward to good changes.  I remodeled and decorated my house little by little.  One of the biggest changes we did for ourselves was to travel to places we always wanted to go.  We didn't travel very much before Kirk passed away.  We made a decision to be more adventurous so we went to California, cruised the Caribbean, and just did a girls trip to Florida and Pigeon Forge.

Facing changes is inevitable; but HOW you face them is so important. 

Taking time out for yourself and your family is great medicine for the soul.  Getting rest and re-energizing your spirit is a must on this journey.

Also, never forget that even though your life has changed dramatically, God hasn't changed.  He is the same faithful, loving, all knowing God that He was before your world turned upside down.  Malachi 3:6 tells us, "I the Lord do not change."  God has never changed, He is always by our side walking with us.  He knows the tough changes we face; He knows them before we know.  He is ahead of us, leading us on our path. 

Trusting in His word is vital for the journey we are on.  None of us would have chosen this life, but living with hope in our hearts can carry us in the darkest of nights.  Isaiah 26:4 NIV states, "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal." 

When changes are bogging your down and you find yourself heavy in heart, keep moving and keep fighting.  Remember that the Lord is beside you fighting for you.  Exodus 14:14 NIV tells us this, "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."  He does not want you to be overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed.  He wants you to have peace, comfort, and joy.  I know some of you are in a place where you can't imagine ever feeling this way again, but I am here to tell you it can and it will.  Trust the Lord, He will lead you beside those still waters.  He will give you rest and hope. 

Lord I pray that these wonderful, beautiful women find rest, peace, healing and joy even when they feel they cannot go on one more minute.  You are our eternal Rock, our wonderful Father, and Great Healer and I pray that we lean into You and be still.  Thank you Lord for being by our side through the many changes we face on this journey.  You are Faithful.  It's in Your Precious Name I pray..Amen!!