Change can be terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

In both the Old and New Testaments people had to adjust to changes happening in their circumstances. Their degree of willingness to embrace the change lead to either:

• prosperity because they trusted in God, or
• being stuck in discontentment because of complaining instead of appreciating what God has done for them.

In this post we will look at examples of how people prospered even though their circumstances changed, and how we can apply the same principals to help us navigate change in a life-giving, God honoring way.

Daniel – prospering in captivity

When we look at the life of Daniel, we encounter a person who was taken to Babylon in captivity as a young man, yet he had favor with the chief of staff and King because he chose to honor God above all else.

Daniel 1:6 KJV "Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:"

Because Daniel and his friends honored God, God gave them special abilities and caused the king to look upon them favorably.

Daniel 1:19 KJV "And the king communed with them; and among them all was found non like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king."

Our circumstances can change, but if we continue to honor God above all else, he will cause us to prosper in the midst of it.

Are you facing a change in your circumstances at the moment? How can you continue to honor God in the midst of it?

Read more about Daniel and his friend’s lives in the book of Daniel. Be encouraged by their story and inspired to live an honourable life for the Lord.

Paul – focusing on Jesus in all circumstances

Paul is an example of someone who, after becoming a Christian, faced many changes in his circumstances, yet by the grace of God, learned to trust God completely and keep his eyes on Jesus.

He faced persecution and hardships that many of us in the western world can’t even grasp, yet he kept going forward and continued to walk in his assignment. He grew in faith, and believed that God was doing a good work within him. That Jesus will give him the strength he needs to endure in all circumstances.

Philippians 4:12-13 KJV "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me."

What can you learn from your own walk with God up until now? Can you see how he strengthened you when you needed it? Can you see his faithfulness at work in your own life?

We don’t often see change as being good, especially if it comes with a lot of heartache and suffering, yet God has plans for us to prosper and will work everything for our good.

2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made new in our spirits. We have to train our mind and bodies through the Word to follow. The Word has transformative power in our lives. As we devote time to reading scripture and seek God, we will grow in character. It may not always be easy, but with the help of the Holy Spirit within us, and our willingness to be transformed, we can.

It is my sincere hope that you will be encouraged by this post.

May the Lord bless you and open your eyes to see yourself through his.

Blessings

Catherina

Have a look at these previous blog posts for further encouragement.

Our Guiding Shepherd

New Directions