Embrace Change

09/06/2025

Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

We gather today to acknowledge the profound truth that we are spiritual beings, created in the image of God, journeying through this life in human bodies. Our earthly existence, transitions, is but a temporary passage, a sacred journey where our souls grow, mature, and are shaped by the Divine.

I want to speak about change. Change is an inevitable part of life. It can bring uncertainty, fear, and discomfort. It can bring relief, surprise, and peace. At times we choose it; at other times it is thrust upon us. Change is defined as the act or process through which something becomes different. We are all going through some sort of change, whether emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, or psychological. And if we cannot identify it … just look closer, because it is there.

The concept of change is important to human beings, so there are many words we use for change: conversion, renewal, revolution, metamorphosis, evolution, repentance, transmutation, adjustment, development, difference, modification, revision, shift, switch, variation, and innovation.  As followers of Christ, we are called to see change not as an obstacle but as a divine opportunity for growth and transformation. The Bible teaches that through change, God molds us into His image, strengthens our faith, and reveals His faithful presence in our lives.

Change, then, is not merely external circumstance; it is a divine invitation for our spiritual being to awaken, to release that which no longer serves, and to step more fully into the likeness of our Creator. We are to embrace change, not fear it or flee from it.

We are spiritual beings on a sacred journey. Scripture tells us in Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Being made in God’s image means our human bodies are vessels – temporary homes for our eternal souls. Change shakes the outer shell but calls us home to the deeper, unchanging spiritual self.

Because we are in church, I want to speak on the spiritual aspect of change.  Change is Spirit’s call to transformation. In John 3:6 Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” Change calls us to spiritual rebirth – to leave behind old habits and mindsets tethered to the physical world and emerge as renewed spiritual beings, reshaped into God’s likeness.

Romans 12:2 instructs, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Change invites us to stop trying to fit into worldly patterns and allow God to transform us from within.

While walking on earth, our bodies are temples, empowered by Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” Though life’s changes challenge our bodies and emotions, our spiritual core remains anchored in God’s presence, giving us strength amid uncertainty.

Christ guides us to let go of the temporary and embrace the eternal. In 2 Corinthians 5:1 Paul says, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” As our human circumstances shift – jobs, homes, relationships – let us remember these are temporary tents. Our eternal spiritual home is secure. Change teaches us to detach from the impermanent and focus on the eternal. Nonattachment is a remedy for fear of change.

Change is not our enemy; it is an invitation to become new. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Every change is a chance to leave behind the old ways and embrace the new life God offers. When we surrender to Him, He renews our hearts and minds.

Scripture encourages us to let go of fear and trust in God’s new work. Isaiah 43:19 inspires us, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Change often requires releasing what is familiar to receive what God is creating anew. Trusting His plan brings hope and renewal.

The Bible guides us to walk our path with courage and faith. Isaiah 40:31promises, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Our spiritual journey through change is sustained by hope and faith. Though our bodies may tire, Spirit renews our inner strength, helping us soar above fear and uncertainty.

God says in Joshua 1:9, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Change can be scary, but we do not face it alone. God promises His presence and strength.

Change invites us to co-create with God in the world. Genesis 2:15 reveals our role as stewards of creation: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Through transformation, we participate in God’s ongoing creation, bringing new life and hope for ourselves and others.

In our spiritual evolution, we can cling to God’s unchanging nature. As stated in Malachi 3:6, “I the Lord do not change.” God is dependable and faithful in our growth.  Hebrews 13:8 confirms the assuredness of Christ, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Even when our lives are shifting, God’s faithfulness remains our firm refuge. Our trials and changes are temporary; God works through them for our good.

The lesson is that we are to embrace change. Although difficult, we can manage it. We can connect with our Source in prayer, meditation, and reflection on scriptures. Just sit and contemplate the scripture, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for God is with you wherever you go.”  Embrace change as a spiritual experience, surrendering control, and trusting in a higher purpose and God’s divine plan.

In life, things do not always go the way we plan or envision them. It is good to learn to reframe our thoughts from, “I failed at this task,” to “I have a chance to learn and improve for next time.” [Change from high school teaching.] Let us be grateful that we can change and be thankful for the lessons and opportunities change brings. Change is there for our benefit not suffering.

To help manage change, we can maintain a constant routine, so we have something dependable in our lives. By practicing self-compassion and patience, we aid in the acceptance process and help mitigate negative effects. Change what we can, accept what we cannot. Accepting and embracing change rather than resisting it builds emotional well-being and adaptation.  Releasing past attachments or expectations enables healing and new opportunities.

Handling change with love and peace has benefits. Successfully navigating change builds inner strength, wisdom, and self-confidence. Change fosters new perspectives and reveals that disappointments can sometimes unfold into blessings, highlighting the value of openness and perseverance. Approaching change with curiosity and optimism can reduce fear and open possibilities for growth. Embracing change helps ease anxiety, providing inner peace, gratitude, trust, and confidence.

Our life changes are not merely disruptions; they are sacred invitations for our spiritual being to awaken, to grow, and to embrace God’s transforming power. Though we dwell in fragile human bodies, the spirit within us is eternal, resilient, and born of the essence of God. It is my prayer that this truth will comfort and empower all who face transitions today, reminding us that in Christ, every change holds the seed of transformation and new life, and behind all change is the constancy and oneness of God.