Sometimes I have a difficult time with change. Yet, when things stay the same for too long, I get bored. On the other hand, when things change too quickly – or unexpectedly, I find myself feeling uncomfortable or even negative. Mostly, I feel uncertain because I can’t predict the future.

What are your feelings about CHANGE? Are you fearful, skeptical, cynical, or are you prepared to handle change when it arrives?

Our life is a journey with many expected and unexpected events and circumstances along the way. There are crossroads, back roads, mountains to climb, or valleys of despair. We have ups, downs, detours, and dead ends. Sometimes we experience surprising and pleasant change that opens a door for smooth sailing. Wouldn’t it be nice to know beforehand what lies ahead in order to avoid an unpleasant, or difficult, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles on our path? The truth is, we may not want to travel that road or we may think we’re not equipped to handle what’s ahead. Only God knows how to prepare us for positive or negative change.

Our faith and trust in Him is tested when new circumstances present themselves as a result of change. The gift of free will grants us choices for how we think, feel, and behave. John Maxwell once said, “Circumstances do not make you what you are. They reveal what you are.” This is so true!

My accident changed my life – forever. New circumstances could have left me hopeless. I can still remember waking up in the rehab hospital and wondering why a wheelchair was by my bed. I thought I was dreaming. There were times I felt my life had come to a dead end. Yet my faith in God, the gift of prayer, and the encouragement of family and friends were deciding factors that allowed me to receive His grace and hope for a meaningful future.

The Bible says:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29: 11-12 NIV

This is a special scripture to me. It resonates in my heart whenever change occurs. Remember this when you are faced with change:

• Believe in yourself
• Be thankful for the encouragement of others
• Pray often
• Trust God to see you through

God and change are two constants in life. Stay focused on Him and you will be confident in his future plans for you. Change is a reality. How we adapt to it defines our character. Look at the Apostle Paul’s life. God changed his life. He went from a non-believer to one of the greatest believers of all time. He trusted God’s plan.

A new chapter in your life always begins with change. How will the chapter be written? Will it include God and others? Will it have a positive ending?

It’s your choice.

Much has happened since the launch of my book; The Gift Is You. I’ve signed over one thousand books and given talks to hundreds of people. Lives have been changed because of this book. The message of hope during life’s tough times has touched the hearts of many hungry souls.

Now it’s time to add a new topic to my speaking platform. This initiative will focus on CHANGE. Changes in my own life are provoking this subject matter. Do I think this is a coincidence? No! Am I nervous about this project? Yes. Am I uncertain about the outcome? Yes. Am I excited about the possibilities of making a difference in people’s lives? Of course. Do I know that God is in control? Absolutely!

Never forget you are not alone. There is somebody who wants to hold your hand through life’s journey through change. You just have to grab His hand and never let go.

God Bless You,

David