Change Is Definite (cont.)

Sentence 1 Continued

The Apostle Paul went through a jarring change that blessed him into getting his soul saved and blessing millions of people down through the ages, to include you and me. You see, the Lord was mindful of us way back then. Paul's life change was necessary because of God's purpose.

On yesterday, I told you that the Lord orchestrated the jarring change in Job's life. Some scholars would differ with that statement. Let's take job's situation and break it down a little bit. When we read in Job, chapter 1, verses 8-12, we see the beginning of change being discussed for Job and the reason.

It seems that the Lord was proud of Job and was bragging about him to the adversary. And of course, like people so often do today, the adversary had a pat answer to try to take some of the satisfaction from the Lord because of His pride in Job. Something was said to the effect of, "Well, no wonder he is serving You so well. You have blessed all of the works of his hands..." The conversation continued, and the Lord gave the adversary leeway to touch all that Job had, assuring Him that Job would curse the Lord to His face.

You should read the first chapter of the book of Job if you haven't in a while. So, even though the adversary was the one to suggest the change in Job's life, it could NOT have happened if the Lord had not given permission for the change. (When you read the chapter, you will see that there limits placed upon what could be done to Job. That is a reassuring fact for us, too.)

Sentence 2

Abraham was told by the Lord to move away from his kin. That was a big change for him, but he did it and received manifold blessings by being faithful during the move and subsequent events.

Yes, change is definite in this life, and some of it is smoothly ushered in, and some of it jars us to our very souls. What we have to remember is that "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord." (Romans 8:28, KJV)

And as you can see with Job, Joseph and Abraham and many others, staying faithful through changes will garner you blessings from the Lord. Joseph was made second in command in all of Egypt; Job was blessed with twice as much as he had before and Abraham was blessed with a child in his old age and was told that his descendants would be as innumerable as the sand on the seashore.

Conclusion

Even if I never understand some things that occur and have occurred in my life, I will still love and trust my Maker, Who has carried me this far on my life's journey and who is preparing a place for me.