Embrace Change

Change. It’s one of the things that people fear most. Why? Change puts us in a place where we might feel anxious, alone, and unsafe. When we move on from something that we are comfortable with and find ourselves in circumstances that are unfamiliar, we tend to entertain worried or fretful thoughts.

With the upcoming school year quickly approaching, a lot of people, especially teenagers, are going through a lot of change. Maybe you’re approaching a huge school year, like your freshman year of high school or your senior year of high school and you know that your classes will be a lot harder than last year. Or maybe you’re worried about this next school year because you’re changing schools and have to make new friends and get used to a new environment.

Whatever it is you’re worried about, I guarantee you it probably has a lot to do with change. After all, you wouldn’t be worried if your classes and friends were all the same as they were last year because you’re already comfortable with them and you know what to expect of them.

But now, you have NO CLUE what to expect for the upcoming year! I know that sounds scary, but when change comes, whether you’re moving to a different school or moving to a different state, DON’T PANIC! I want to share a little bit about what I’ve learned about change this past year.

1.     Change initially feels uncomfortable. When you’re faced with change and you find yourself in an unfamiliar environment, it’s natural to feel unsafe. But just because you FEEL unsafe, doesn’t mean that you ARE unsafe. You have to believe that God knows exactly what He’s doing in your life and you couldn’t be safer with anyone but Him! So even though you might initially feel uncomfortable when transitioning into a new environment, you have to trust that you are safe with God.

2.     Change is an opportunity to reach out to others. When you feel uncomfortable, you’ll tend to focus more on yourself than anyone else. Do these thoughts sound familiar when meeting new people or walking into a new environment? What are they thinking of me? Do they like me? Am I enough? See how we tend to focus on selfish thoughts rather than selfless ones? I’m guilty of it as much as anyone! But God has shown me that focusing on myself accomplishes nothing but cultivating insecurity and anxious thoughts. God always has a purpose in change. But how will you find that purpose if you are focused on yourself? Maybe God has placed you in a certain situation so that you can reach the people around you! As you intentionally look for ways to put aside your insecurity and look for ways to bless and encourage others, you’ll find that you feel much less insecure and anxious yourself! God has given you so many opportunities to reach out to people right where you are! Ask Him to open your eyes to see the people around you the way He sees them!

3.     Change is always best for you. This is sometimes the hardest to believe, especially if you’re in a new, uncomfortable, unfamiliar environment. When you’re facing the unknown or when you’re battling insecurity in meeting new people, believing that God knows what’s best for you can be very, very hard. But even though your circumstances may change, God’s promises never change. “For we know that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him…” (Romans 8:28) “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) When you don’t understand “why”, trust that God knows. Trust that He has a perfect plan for every moment of your life. Remember that change is an opportunity to trust Him. He is faithful to walk with you through change and He never leads you somewhere that’s not best for you.

Change is inevitable for most of us. It’s easy to feel unsafe, insecure, or unsure when it comes to change. But there is a way for us to overcome these feelings! Though change may come, you can put your trust in Him who is unchangeable. God never changes. God’s promises do not change. You can trust in Him at all times and in all circumstances.

~Hannah~