The old moniker “Change is the only constant” has never been more true than ever before, things  just don’t seem to standstill anymore.

 Pope Francis said, “We are not living an era of change, but a change of era” and change is something we cannot avoid. Change is what today pushes us out of our comfort zone, and is built on faith. Change is God’s way of telling us that no matter how transformed the world is, His love will remain the same and His plans will still prevail.

 But are we ready for this change he has planned in our lives?

Most of us fear change and it results into us being surrounded by depression and despair, in a world now created by us. Change now rather than being something for our glory now turns into something that chains us.

So why do we actually fear change..

 Many of us are stuck in this crazy place because of our own doing. We are in some sort of limbo, where we neither move forward nor are able to stop the change. We fear because we are not being able to withstand the uncertainty of doing something that we are not used to. Some reasons we fear change

 Fear of the Unknown

 Change is sorely avoided as we are not sure what this change would bring us. How much do we desire that crystal ball that lets us peer into the future, and clearly indicate the outcome of adapting to a new path. We live in complicated times and are scared of being a part of this change. To avoid hurt or fear of being let down we generally avoid all confrontation with change. These many times is a key reason why we miss out on key life changing moments

 A prime example of the result of accepting the future God brings in our lives, is Mother Mary’s example of accepting Angel Gabriel’s message and invitation without grudge or self doubt. Her acceptance of God’s plan was cemented by the faith and belief in the goodness of his plan.May we remember how Mary said yes to become the mother of Jesus and how her life changed forever. (Luke 1:26-38)

 Fear of Suffering

 Change also causes us to recollect past experiences of suffering or disappointment. We all naturally would like to avoid being hurt. To accept that suffering is part of the process to learn and move ahead is a difficult proposition to accept. The difficult conundrum is that we try hard to mend wounds that will never heal as we are not willing to accept God’s plan in our lives. This is the biggest roadblock to relying on Gods promise and receiving the blessings he has planned for us.

 When Israel who had been freed of the tyranny of the pharaoh , failed to trust God when faced with the prospect of facing the Amorites they had to wait for 40 years before entering the promised land (Deut.1:19-45).

 Fear of leaving our Comfort Zones

 Our daily routine sometimes feels so comfortable and warm it gives us a false sense of security and also instills in us the fear of breaking the mould if we step outside its boundaries. We tend to become constant cribbers who talk about change but wont do anything about it. A whole avenue of discovery now is beyond our reach.

 Jesus’s first apostles, were required to drop their lifestyles, work and homes to follow him. Now imagine Peter being asked to leave his occupation he had known for so long to step into a world that was unknown to him. Imagine where our first Pope would have been if he hadn’t stepped out. (Luke 5:1-11).

 So now what the secret to facing change

 Firstly we need to believe our God has plans for us to flourish and grow, his love for us will never let us down.So based on this faith we need to

1.  Fight our fear

 Face fear with the belief that God’s got your back , imagine you’ve got the creator of the world by your side. Nothing that comes your way is something you cannot handle, that’s God’s promise to you. And anytime you fall you always have a hand reaching out to pick you up. The best thing is you have someone who’ll let you make mistakes again and again, but will always be there to accept you back like the father in the prodigal son.

 Our God is bigger than all the fears you face, and he’s got your back.

 2. Accept Challenges

 Change will happen if you accept it or not. So be ready to ride the wave that the world throws, all you need to ensure is the surf board is sturdy.Embrace the change with the belief that it will make you better and move you to where the Lord wants you to be. The Lord’s guidance is available in so many ways an dmost of all the abundant grace that is on offer.

3.Cooperate with God’s Leading

 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10).Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

 Calm yourself to listen to the word of the lord and accept his wisdom. Its not you yourself , but the grace and faith that you have in God that will save you. Rely on him and accept his grace, cooperate with his ways even if they seem  contrary to worldly logic. You are made for a future full of hope. 

 4.Endure

 Remember something good takes time, learn to have patience i.e. patience borne out of faith. It is this faith that will lets us be strong and persevering. Everyone has a promised land which awaits them, the time and plan are set by God. Endure in him till we reach that promise.

 So finally…

 Change may seem uncomfortable and scary at times, but you can’t grow if you don’t allow yourself to be transformed. Learn how to face change and know that the Lord will be with you in every step you take. Trust in his time and his way

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 )

 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

 Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us satisfaction of fully understanding what He does. All we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1,11-12)