Jonah 4:1-3

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: "Didn't I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That’s why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You’re eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I'd rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen." Jonah 4:1-3

"I am the Lord, and I do not change.” Mal 3:6

Plans change all the time and often we get angry like Jonah did. As I was thinking about these verses, I was realizing how much in our life changes and how hard those changes can be for us. Change is unavoidable! Let’s recognize, though, that not all change is bad. Sometimes the change of a room color can be refreshing. Certainly the new seasons are necessary and a blessing. And we know that each of us will one day be changed in an atomic second to be like Jesus. So let’s learn to embrace it!

And embracing change is so much easier because we know that God never changes. However much the world changes around us and whatever the changes we make for ourselves, He stays the same. He remains compassionate and kind. He is forever gracious and merciful. He always loves us fully. He always draws us to change day by day. He provides for us (in accordance with our willing hearts) the opportunity to change from glory to glory and strength to strength. We get to take part in a daily project wherein we are the emerging sculpture that looks more and more like Jesus. When we are frustrated and angry over the process, it’s really an opportunity to repent and embrace the change. We can shake our heads, stretch and grow, laugh it off, let it go, and change! We are Kingdom people, so let’s be transformed into the image of Jesus and be like Him. Let’s practice repenting of our old ways and allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to change us into the image of Jesus.

Growing in grace,

Pastor Darrell