“Surely, as I have planned it, so it will be, and as I have
purposed, so it will stand” (Isaiah 15:24).
A few weeks ago my father passed away from cancer. It was quite a shock, since he died within
two weeks of the diagnosis. This has
brought major changes into our lives, particularly for my mother. Adjusting to being alone after 57 years of
marriage is not easy. She is now
downsizing to a smaller apartment which will bring more changes. But God is working things out in merciful and
wonderful ways, and for that we are truly thankful.
In his book Nearing Home, Billy Graham says, “God
designs transitions and provides the grace to embrace what follows.” Those words bring me great comfort, although
I am not always happy with the transitions God has for me. Pain and illness
bring many transitions, yet God has an ordained plan for my life that He has
purposed from the beginning. He will
provide the grace to not only survive it but to accept it and to readjust.
God’s Word is filled with lives of transition. Moses went from prince to shepherd to leader of
Israel. Abraham left his homeland and became a nomad to follow God. The
disciples gave up their livelihoods and relationships for Jesus to the point of
death. These examples and many others in
Scripture must have been difficult, yet we know the blessings that resulted
from them.
Living life with God is never stagnant. Change will come, but His grace and presence
are with us. Every transition provides
an opportunity to see more of His power and strength in our lives.
As I help my mom move on to a new phase, I need to be
willing to do the same. Whatever
transitions I have yet to face may not be easy, but they are bringing me to my
final destination of perfection and endless joy – and that’s a transition I am
ready to make.
Prayer: O Lord, you have ordained my days before I
was even born. Give me a positive and
trusting attitude as I move through the transitions in my life, knowing that
You are working all things for my ultimate good. Amen.
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