4 Keys for Coping with Change
“Moses my servant is dead. Now then you…” Joshua 1:2
What has come to an end in your life?
I’m reading through the book of Joshua and was struck by God’s statement. Moses was dead. For Joshua, this meant not only the end of the familiar, it meant the beginning of a new path.The same is true for you and me. Change is part of life. And it means the end of what was, as well as the beginning of something new. Everyone knew that Moses was old. They knew he couldn’t live forever. Yet his death was a huge loss, leaving the Israelites to wonder, What next?As if to answer their anxiety, God immediately appoints a new leader and issues new instructions. His plans did not come to an end with the loss of Moses.And His plans for you do not come to an end with expected or unexpected changes in your life.
Joshua’s story of change and transition has many lessons to help us cope. Here are four:
Realize: Despite losing what is familiar and safe, God’s plans for you have not come to an end (Isaiah 41:10).
Remember: God has chosen you for a purpose and even though you’re confused, questioning, or hurting right now, He promises to “lead the blind in ways they have not known” (Isaiah 42:16).
Rest: All of us are blind regarding the future—but God calls us to rest not stress over the changes in our lives. He sees what lies ahead and that every change in your life opens the door to new opportunities to know Him (Philippians 3:13-14).
Recommit: Although everything familiar changed with Moses’ death, God promised to bless Joshua’s new path with success. But for this to happen, he needed to recommit his heart to following God’s direction and purposes for his life (Joshua 1:5-8).
God both challenged and commanded Joshua to move forward. He wasn’t to keep looking back. He wasn’t to cower in fear. He was to recognize God was unfolding a new and vitally important chapter in his life.Is this how you view the changes you are dealing with? What new chapter could God be opening in your life?
Let's Talk: Will you ask God for fresh strength, confident faith, and greater courage to trust Him—and move forward? Share your thoughts on Facebook or email me directly.
Hugs and peace!