Changing

I’m looking out over trees of yellow, red, orange – the valley below is showing its array of colors as well. Winter is coming early to the mountains this year. The first freeze is only days away. A young woman at the farmers market was selling gorgeous boquets of dahlias and zinnias and said next week her fields will be gone til next year.

Changing colors, changing temperatures, changing seasons. Though I love autumn and all its brilliance, I can’t say the same about change. I’m a Florida girl and perpetual green suits me – no reminder that things grow in beauty and then fade and are no more.

We all know this. We try desperately to outrun it – this change that each passing year brings. Most with no assurance that this is not all there is. Truth: “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 NLT)

As Christians, this should lead us to look at those around us with sorrow and determination to make sure they know that there is a forever. Where life goes on and on. Where loved ones are always strong and healthy.

A someday where aches and pains, fears and worries, sorrow and tears – won’t even be vocabulary words. That was the plan in Eden – the plan didn’t get destroyed, it got delayed. But the delay is nearing its fulfillment. That’s a change I do look forward to. “And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” (Revelation 21:5 BSB)

So, I rejoice. What holds us back now, the inevitable sorrow that will pass our way in days and years to come, these are temporary. We can rejoice in the knowledge that God is the Renewer of all things.

That is Jesus’ message to us. He has paid the price that makes it possible to not fear earth challenges. The Savior showed us that joy is ours in spite of the delay. I see a squirrel stuffing cheeks full; he feels the change that will make him burrow down deep for months. He fears not, for His Creator has made him for this.

He has made us able as well. Oh, I agree, at times I do not feel able. I want to quit. But faithful is our God and there is strength for today. “For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, ‘People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.” (1Peter 1:23-25 NLT)