by Beth Ecker
Change: if I’m honest, it’s one of those bad words I don’t want to use. I’m aware that it’s probably going to happen sooner than later, but my inner spirit is one of contentment with the present: I would much rather stay as I am, and have others stay pretty much as they are, too. Kids, don’t grow up yet. Parents, don’t age. Friends, don’t move away. Jobs, stay stable. When I analyze my reluctance to change, I see that it’s actually not that I fear the unknown. Rather, I want to avoid the discomfort that is adapting to a new normal…again.
But as much as I could groan and gripe about change, I have to give it serious credit on one front: it’s generally been good for me. Now, I’m not saying that I’ve never had some bad changes in my life (eg. haircut in college with overly-short bangs. Phew.). Rather, change is good because of what it does for my heart—for your heart, too, friends, because it is impossible to live on this planet without experiencing change, so I’m pretty confident that I’m speaking for all of us.
The minute I find myself on really shifting sands, I have to kneel down for stability, or I know I’ll fall. Praying when we are at a crossroads—when there are tough decisions to be made—means that we are compelled to turn more purposefully to God, desiring to know His will for us, His ideas about this situation, His purpose for this choice to be made. It’s not comfortable acknowledging our lack of understanding or our weakness, but it’s just where we’re supposed to be: looking up to the One who holds our future.
I’ve noticed a thread of this idea running through Max Lucado’s text “Pocket Prayers” thus far, and I can appreciate the fact that it is significant enough to reiterate. The subtitle of this text is “40 Prayers that bring peace and rest,” and there are few things as peaceful as realizing that once I’ve faithfully consulted God about a change in my life, I can turn it over to Him. I don’t need to be in charge, and I don’t need to fear the outcome. He’s got this, and He’s got you and me.
One of Lucado’s prayers so succinctly addressing this. Would you pray with me?
“Abba, thank you for sending a helper to direct my steps. You know everything and will guide me in your will. Help me to know your will. Keep me on the path you have set for me. Give me the desire to stay true to that path, and forgive me for the times I have already strayed from you. Be with my friends and family who are at a crossroads and don’t know what to do next. May your spirit guide them and make the best decision clear. Thank you for caring about the details of my life, for not believing any request is too small.
I pray this in Jesus name,
Amen”
Lucado, Max (2014-10-07). Pocket Prayers: 40 Simple Prayers that Bring Peace and Rest (p. 14). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.
Beth Ecker is a co-editor of The Stir and homeschooling mama of four wonderful kids, from 6 to 16. She loves finding ways to encourage others in their faith, family life, and educational opportunities. Beth enjoys a great cup of espresso, plants and green things, travel, excellent literature, and baking.