Jeremiah 29:11-13, “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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Philippians 4:6-7, “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.”

I have always envied people who grew up on the same street.  I have always admired people who have the same friends since they were kids.  I have always appreciated people who attended the same elementary school.  I remember my first day at each of the many schools I attended.  I remember the anxiety I experienced meeting new friends.  My parents never owned a home.  Since they rented houses, we lived in various houses over the years.  I attended four elementary schools, and two high schools.  In the last 16 years, I have lived in three countries, and in seven cities.  All of these moves have created many challenging changes for me.  Interestingly, my calling as a Salvation Army Officer creates regular changes.  Case in point, our recent move from El Cajon to Pasadena!

Like me, most people do not like change.  Although change might be necessary, it can bring about tension, disagreements, and trauma.  Change is hard everywhere, and at any age.  Change is unsettling, and brings many unknowns.  In any organization, change is hard because it requires upsetting the status quo.  It unravels the normal routines.  Change challenges us to adapt to the unfamiliar.

So, how then do we handle change?  Change is a guaranteed occurrence in life.  Change happens even when we do not realize it.  Most times, we cannot stop change, but we can manage change.   The way we receive and manage change can inspire or discourage others.  The way we handle change can show our level of trust in God.  Success during the change process depends on how we embrace, adapt, and communicate the vision.  As leader a Salvation Army leader, I know it’s incumbent upon me to set the tone of the change.  I want to assure you Rutendo and I here to lead, answer questions, provide feedback, and guidance.  We are here to walk alongside you, to model passion, excitement and enthusiasm about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although I live a life of many changes, I am slowly getting better at adjusting and adapting to these regular Salvation Army changes.  I hope you all are adjusting well, too.  I pray this change does not make you uncomfortable.  I pray this change can assure you that God is in our midst.  He initiated the change.  He will see us through the change process. Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

• Do you like change?
• How do you respond to change?
• What has been the most difficult change for you?  Why?
• What has been the best change for you?  Why?
• What change do you sense God doing around and/or in you?