March 14, 2019 Lent Daily Devotional: Change?

 
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Change?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~ HEBREWS 13:8 (NIV)

Let’s face it, change is hard. We all have things that bring us comfort — a favorite sweater, familiar faces, or comfort food (like ice cream!). But things have a way of changing. That sweater wears out, those familiar faces leave, and sometimes doctors nix our favorite foods. Our health changes, our churches change, and our relationships change too.

Yet, is change always bad? OK, losing the ice cream is rough, but sometimes change is a good thing. New interests emerge, and new friendships are made. We get stretched and pushed out of our comfort zone, only to realize that we have new strengths and abilities.

Change isn’t good just for the sake of change. There are times when doing things the former way is what was best all along. Our challenge every day is to seek God’s best, not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.

Every day He offers us opportunities to reach out to others and make a difference in their lives. We can “change” their day by reaching out — stopping and looking them in the eye, being present in the moment, and listening with an open heart and mind. That sharing and caring is transforming in their lives and ours.

When we turn to the Lord and ask Him to help us and guide us, He will. He’ll change us to be more like Him — loving, gentle, kind, forgiving. God blesses us and supports us every day, and we have the privilege of blessing and supporting others. Remember, no matter what is going on, we can always take comfort that Jesus remains the same. He doesn’t change. He promises to be with us through it all (even if that change is cutting back on ice cream!).

Dear Lord, thank you that in every change, we can always depend on you.

SUE DIETSCHE, BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH