The choices you make today about your yesterdays will determine your tomorrows.
The very nature of our existence here on planet earth is one of continual seasonal transition. Each new season brings a challenge for us, and with each challenge we have choices to make which will in turn bring a change to our new normal. In fact, it sometimes seems that nothing appears to be constant except for change itself. I am learning, at the age of 78, that in order, to not only survive, but to prosper in the new season, I must find both my “place and my peace” in the new environment.
Some people find change hard to cope with because it challenges their security and their expectations. The recent pandemic was so hard for many people because the familiar rhythms of life were so drastically interrupted.
Here in the UK as I write, the events of the past week have brought about so many changes that could challenge the very fabric of life as we have known it for the past 70 years or so.
We have within the space of two days, a new government, a new prime minister, the passing of Queen Elizabeth 11 and the establishment of the reign of a new monarch King Charles 111. So much change, so many challenges caused by situations outside our own control, but now we have the responsibility to make our own choices in how we will respond.
I remember in 1951, as a young boy of 7 coming home from school and being absolutely devastated when I learned that the King had died. For me, in my ignorance, I felt totally traumatised.. “what will happen now … the king is dead”. Looking back I now understand that the king represented life as I had known it, and the prospect of him not being there brought a sense of dread and insecurity. In my naivety and ignorance, my security had been in my immediate circumstances rather than the ONE WHO HOLDS all our circumstances in the palm of His hand!
For the past 44 years I have lived as a committed follower of Jesus. I have known His love, His salvation, His comfort and indeed His correction over those years. Together with my wife Jane, we have known and followed His calling into full time ministry since 1983 and although it has not been without difficulty and challenge, it has always been an honour and a privilege to serve the King of Kings. During that time we have experienced many seasonal challenges and changes in the knowledge that God is for us.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The point I want to make is very simple and yet very profound:-
- God is never caught out by change
- God is never surprised by change
- He is the ALPHA and the OMEGA
- God knows the beginning and the end … and everything in between
As we progress through the journey of life we may not know WHAT IS AROUND THE BEND IN our particular road but we do know our Heavenly Father God who is already there and waiting. Friends it is not so much WHAT WE FACE but WHO WE FACE IT WITH!
At this time of great change may I encourage you to consider the admonition of Hebrews 12
Fix your eyes upon Jesus, The pioneer and perfector of faith
Hebrews 12
PRACTICAL HELPS IN AN ENVIRONMENT OF ONGOING CHANGE
A few years ago I published a basic handbook entitled “The Father’s Heart in Coaching and Mentoring”. I included some start up tips based on my own experience of coaching and mentoring pastors and leaders over the years.
I include one of the activations today in the hope that it will help to navigate the challenges and changes of life today. I continually come back to it for myself as it helps to keep me focussed when all around is shifting and changing. It is based on the acronym G.R.O.W.
GOAL
- What do you want to achieve?
- Can you write it down in a clear statement of your objectives in just one or two sentences?
- Can you explain that another way?
- Is it measurable?
- How will you identify progress?
REALITY
- How realistic is your goal?
- Consider the effort, time and costs implications on other obligations and priorities you have in life.
- What actions have you taken so far?
- What were the effects of those actions?
- What stopped you from doing more?
- What resources do you already have in terms of people; skills; finances; time; support etc/
- What extra resources will you need/
- How much control do you personally have over this situation?
- Who else may need to make decisions for your goal to be achieved?
- Could you move forward without their involvement/
- What are the real issues regardless of circumstances?
OPPORTUNITIES/OBSTACLES/OPTIONS
- List the possible routes that could be taken to achieve your goal?
- Challenge all assumptions with a reality check.
- Don’t second guess other people’s responses.
- Challenge with questions e.g … “what if?”
- Consider any opportunities that are open.
- Consider possible obstacles that lie ahead.
- Make a list of options available to you
WHAT
- What will you do?
- What options have you chosen?
- What steps will you need to take?
- Where does this fit with God’s calling on your life?
- Who needs to know what at this point?
- Who needs to do what to help with this plan/
- When will you begin?
- What measurable milestones have you set to check your progress.
I do hope that you are encouraged today and that you will find this content helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Living Stones Ministries. We are here to encourage whoever, wherever and whenever we can.
Be blessed to be a blessing
Geoff
