[caption id="attachment_1962" align="alignright" width="200"] Blog by Sr. Barbara Kane, OP[/caption]
My name is ___ and I don't like change.
Yesterday I drove past my favorite McDonald's. It was closed for renovation. For a moment, I panicked. How could they do this to me? Why didn't they tell me? What if I was dying of hunger and needed a burger as a pick me up? Who will I say "Hi" to every morning? OK, it was a little crazy and I quickly recovered but it got me thinking. How do I respond to change?
Turning to scripture to find hope and strength in the midst of change
Most of us like routine. We want to know what's going on and how things will happen. But life is often not that predictable. We might become ill or lose a job or ministry. A loved one may die or we might meet the person of our dreams. Whether we like it or not, we have to learn to roll with the punches.
From Jeremiah
What gives us hope and strength when change enters our lives? Jeremiah reminds us, "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). We used this passage to guide us during our last Chapter (bi-annual gathering of Sisters and Associates from across the world). It gives us confidence that change is not completely random or capricious - that God wants our good.
From Joshua
The Lord promised Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord, your God, will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Doesn't the Lord promise this to us also? God will be with us in every change.
From Philippians
Even in the little things, St. Paul reminded the Philippians, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-8). Please God, get my McDonald's open soon!
There seems to be overwhelming evidence in the Scriptures that we will have God's help when we face a dilemma or experience a change. We have a loving, generous God who will hold us up...comfort us...strengthen us. So next time, you face a dilemma, don't panic, turn to God who is always there.
Blog by Sr. Barbara Kane, OP[/caption]
ippians