Changes – Can We Learn From Moses?
Changes can be intimidating. Sometimes we face changes we do not want or expect. Carol reminds us that Moses reluctantly learned to trust and obey.
Changes Happen
Change happens. We experienced the changeable weather of the prairies in very early spring this year. Sunday the sun shone and the temperatures rose until we could enjoy the outdoors in shirt sleeves. The next morning we woke to snow falling and by noon a blizzard swirled around us. The limited visibility, cold temperatures, snow, and howling wind forced traffic to stop in places, vehicles to hit the ditch, and most of us seek the shelter of our homes for the duration.
Life circumstances also change. Sometimes it is with a diagnosis we didn’t expect. At other times we wait for word on what causes the physical symptoms we experience. Life becomes filled with the unknown and fear might stride in and try and take control.
Small Changes
At times the changes we face are small – part of the passing of time and change of interests or availability to continue taking on certain tasks. A Facebook group I enjoyed changed because the administrator needed to make adjustments in her own life and prioritize what she worked on. I got it. I’ve had to make similar choices and you likely have as well.
Life happens and change is part of it. We don’t always like change and sometimes we wish it didn’t have to happen. I’d like the restrictions to end so I could hug my grandkids and visit freely but at the same time I am grateful for the technology that allows easier connections.
Change May Not Be Easy
Change doesn’t come easily. I get set in my ways and want life to continue on a nice even keel. Sometimes it feels like the status quo will make it easier to avoid hurting someone else by bowing out of something I’ve done for years. At other times it is difficult to make the change and take a new course. Fear makes its presence known and I wonder if the new way is really better and the right thing to do.
Change happens with the weather or a diagnosis and it is beyond anything we can control. We need to adapt and figure out a new normal for a short period of time like during stormy weather or a longer, life-altering event like a serious medical diagnosis. But change can also be something we choose to do by making decisions to take a different path, try new opportunities, or learn new skills.
Changes For Moses
In the puzzle of our lives, the pieces marked decisions, change, and new direction can be intimidating, challenging, or exciting. Sometimes a bit of all of those things. I think about Moses whose life changed a few times. As a baby, in Exodus chapter 2, his mother hid him to save his life when Pharaoh wanted all the Hebrew baby boys killed. Yet God intervened and Moses was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. But change didn’t stop there. For forty years Moses lived as a shepherd after fleeing Egypt. God found him there and in Exodus 3 & 4 God meets Moses at the burning bush.
Moses didn’t plan on changing his life yet again. He didn’t choose on his own to stop being a shepherd and go lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. In fact he had many excuses for God about why he wasn’t a suitable candidate for the job God had planned for him. In Exodus 4:11, 12 we read,
“The Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Moses obeyed reluctantly to the change God planned for him. What about us? Do we trust God when fear comes to call because of change? Do we ask God to show us the way to take and find out if we need to switch up directions and embrace something new and different? Too often I struggle with this and stay stuck because I am afraid to make the wrong choice or because change would not be easy.
The promise in Joshua 1:9 can help us in the changes within this puzzle of our lives.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Are you intimidated by changes? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. She encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope.
She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs
Why Did Jesus Say “I Am the Bread of Life
Images courtesy of:
Time for Change – geralt
Desert Camel – Angelika
Leave a Reply