Do you glide smoothly into a change when it appears as though it will be beneficial? Or do you resist it with all your strength? It always baffles me when a change has the potential to bring good, yet we wrestle with wanting to cling to the old. Do you ever do this too?
Resisting Change
When it was time for my loved one to transition home from a treatment center, I found myself in this place. Of course, it was great news that home was now a viable option. My heart soared with pride; we were finally in this place. Yet my soul was so unsettled.
After all, I had settled into this way of life, even though it was hard.
It made no sense that I would want to cling to the old; after all, it included grueling IEP’s, heartbreaking therapy sessions, and a life that revolved around booking flights, hotels, and car rentals. It took me away from home, family, and friends to an unfamiliar place where I was all alone. No longer would a visit or call require scheduling and permission. It would be a new beginning for all of us.
When You Want to Cling to the Old Way
Yet, a part of me wanted to cling to the old way; after all, this was my new normal. What was once unfamiliar had become familiar. Where I had once felt so alone had been filled with the Almighty presence of God.
Do you ever waste time fighting the change when you have no control over stopping it?
As the date approached, anxious thoughts consumed me and left me questioning what was wrong with me. Why on earth would anyone want to cling to the old when the future held such promise? Plus, not to mention, clinging to the old was not even possible – change was inevitable.
When this happens, do you stop to uncover what is underneath it all?
The Fear of the Unexpected
Many times it is a fear which has crept up – the fear of the unexpected.
We can get so used to the old ways that we fail to embrace the new chapter in our life with excitement and hope. Instead, we allow them to weigh us down.
Do you ever fear the unexpected even when the possibility of good is there?
The best news is when fear takes hold of us, we have a way out. It starts with surrendering it all to God and putting our trust entirely in Him.
Remembering –
With God, we can embrace change with an attitude of confidence and excitement. We can live one moment at a time, knowing God is in charge. We don’t have to ponder the past or worry about the future but stay in the present, knowing God’s got us, and He is Good.
Three Steps to Remember When You want to cling to the old way of life:
- First, we must put our trust in GOD, letting go of the fight.
- Embrace the changes and live in the present moment, not worrying about what the future might hold.
- Remember, God is Good and in control.
One might think we would only have to do this once, but in reality, it is something we must do over and over again.
I would love to know what helps you when you find yourself clinging to the old way of life.
Featured Post
This week we are featuring April from Healing In Heart. She has beautiful words to share with us when facing difficult seasons of change, and we are tempted to resist God’s plan. I hope her words wash over you as they did me.
Now for our Featured Post
“Embracing God’s Plan When Change Is Hard”
By April Nelson
Click here to read.
Our featured post today, on Grace & Truth Link-Up, is written by April Nelson – Embracing God's Plan When Change is Hard #graceandtruth #featuredpost Share on XApril Nelson
”Just as the leaves change during the shift in seasons…we can also allow life’s changes to mold us into vibrant colors, through personal and spiritual growth.”
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I have been lamenting the way my life has changed lately. I need to look at what God is doing in the midst.
Yes, life certainly has changed but God is working. I have no doubt. Maree
Maree, your post brought to mind a memory from a couple of years ago. My mother fell and broke her hip and wrist. After surgery and the rehab center, I got worried when they said she was ready to come home. I was so happy for my mom but scared that maybe she wasn’t really ready. I know, silly, right? But you’re so right. Any kind of change can invoke fear in us . . . or it can inspire hope. I’m choosing to let it do the latter than the former when God allows change into my life.
Jeanne, I am right there with you. I, too, want change to inspire hope. I hope your Mom healed up. Maree
Yes, I definitely know that fear too. Change is hard, even when it’s good change. Your three steps are helpful, especially #3: remember God is good and in control. Thanks, Maree!
Lisa, I am so glad you found my steps helpful. I too am partial to #3. Maree
Yes, change is the unknown & the unknown is scary to us. We cling to the known because we know we can deal with that even though it maybe hard.
Being aware that we find change scary helps us to press more into God’s will for our lives & His strength to face change knowing all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose.
My post this week Maree is; ‘What’s Your Raison D’etre?’
https://teawithjennifer.blog/2020/10/23/whats-your-raison-detre/
Thank you for your kindness to me in helping with this linkup,
Bless you,
Jennifer
I agree awareness is so important. For me, it is half the battle. I am happy to add your post each week. It is no bother at all. Your words are important, and I want others to be able to read them. Maree
Maree, I can so identify with your words! I had the same experience, and I think you are so right, it became my new normal, and familiar. I can fear change when I fail to trust God and His plans. Thank you or the helpul tips too!
Yes, it all does seem to come down to trusting our almighty God. Thank you for adding to our conversation. I always appreciate your words. Maree
Maree, thank you for featuring my post! I love how you shared 3 things to remember when we want to cling to the old, such great points! Our family is once again being tested in this area of change as we received some news from the Dr. about my husband’s test results. So, we are looking at a lot more upcoming appointments and possible treatments. Clinging to the Hope in knowing that God is absolutely good and He is in control!
April, My prayers are with you. I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s test results. Stopping right now to pray. Please don’t ever hesitate to drop me an email to pray. Maree
“Remember, God is Good and in control.” I don’t think I can hear these words enough. Thank you for this simple reminder of God’s power and goodness.
Maree Dee, thanks for hosting another great link-up too.
Jed, I am right there with you. I need to keep reminding myself I am not in control. God is. I am glad you joined us today for Grace & Truth. Maree
Yes, to all of those questions. And those truths help me, too. In addition, a few years ago when we faced several changes in one year, a phrase from “Be Still My Soul” was my theme: “In every change He faithful will remain.”
I love your theme from a few years ago. Be Still is my life theme and verse. It is one I struggle with at times. Thank you for sharing. Maree