One of the most important things I’ve learned in my relationship with God is that transition and change will absolutely test our faith. When we face change we have a choice to make; to be bitter, upset, defy or reject it, or to use the opportunity to thrive, learn and grow. We can choose the path to victory or the path to defeat.
We are not intended to stay in the same place; we are called to move, change, grow and learn every day. Life is all about transition, and our relationship with Christ requires transformation, and it will be extremely challenging at times.
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Deuteronomy 20:4
We’ve all been in a season of transition for the past six months. It’s been difficult to cope and understand, and many of us have experienced great fear and anxiety over the changes happening and the uncertainties that lie ahead. Our world is hurting, our nation is in pain, we are all caught up in a storm of a society in agony and unknowns.
As someone with a relationship with Christ, though, we have received not only encouragement but a command, repeated over and over again, to not be afraid. In fact, God tells us throughout scripture to not be afraid as many times as there are days in the year.
‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.’
Deuteronomy 31:6
When we fail to trust that God is bigger than the battles we face we close ourselves off from the blessings He has in store for us, and we miss opportunities. If we lift our worries to Him He replaces them with peace and a door to great growth and prosperity opens for us. Being obedient to Him, who is in control of every battle we face, brings us a great victory. He can then help us through every circumstance, provide for us in every situation, and comfort us in every pain.
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
In order to receive the victory He has won for us, we must stand firm in our faith. By committing our life to Christ, believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to save us from our sins, and giving our life to be led by Him we then open the door to a relationship with God and allow peace and healing to begin flowing in.
We receive the Holy Spirit as a guide and are led by His voice and ways. As we strive to live as Christ better day after day, stumble and rise, fail and learn, lean on God and stand firm, we will become stronger in faith.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
John 10:10
The more we lean on God, spend time studying His word with a true desire to learn and understand, and pray to Him with our whole heart, the closer relationship we will have with Him, and the more we will learn about how to live better. As we learn more, we live in deeper faith and allow God to work in us and bring us to victory again and again.
Change is not something to fear; it is something to look forward to and a necessary part of life that we must choose to tackle knowing God is fighting for our victory. Embrace change, learn what you can, grow every day, pray with your whole heart, and keep faith in God who is bigger than all of it.
‘ The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.’
Proverbs 21:31
You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”
2 Chronicles 20:17
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
