Change Brings Growth
By Rebecca Maresha
Life is all about change, and change often brings opportunity for growth. Change has the potential to open our eyes to new horizons. Without change we risk stagnating and remaining frozen as we always were. But somehow change, when embraced, can open our wings and give us lift to fly. The key is how we take it and what we choose to make of the opportunity.
Change can be uncomfortable. It can mean letting go of some things we have grown used to, things that were comforting in their sameness—even if they weren’t the best. It can be scary to let go of the way things have been and look to discover new horizons—but you won’t find those new horizons unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.
Recently, I experienced multiple changes at once: a change of country and profession, a change in the schooling of my children, and new people in my life. I can’t say it has been easy, yet it has brought fresh horizons through the challenges that have required me to grow in my creativity and actions.
One of the most important things I am learning is to view each challenge as an opportunity for growth and not to second-guess my choices or compare my present circumstances unfavorably to my previous ones. There are difficulties in every set of circumstances, but there is no use in wasting time regretting or comparing. To see each new thing as an opportunity for forward progress fosters a healthy attitude toward change and learning the new lessons life brings.
The greatest thing that has helped me face these challenges with joy is the realization that no matter what changes, Jesus remains the same. He is a steadfast anchor!
On one early morning hike along the cliffs overlooking the sea, a strong wind started, and as I watched the waves lash the rocky shore below and saw the dark storm clouds on the horizon, I offered prayer for those out at sea.
Then I thought about the sea of life, and how at times it is calm and beautiful and it’s smooth sailing, and then there are the times of wind and waves and rolling sea. The boat of our life can get tossed around … but then I thanked God for how He is my anchor; He who keeps me steady on the ever-changing sea of life, as is so beautifully expressed in a song by Ray Boltz, “The Anchor Holds.”
I have journeyed through the long dark night
Out on the open sea, by faith alone
Sight unknown; and yet His eyes were watching me
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas
The anchor holds in spite of the storm
I’ve had visions, I’ve had dreams
I’ve even held them in my hand
But I never knew they would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas
The anchor holds in spite of the storm
I have been young but I’m older now
And there has been beauty these eyes have seen
But it was in the night, through the storms of my life
Oh, that’s where God proved His love for me
The anchor holds
Though the ship’s been battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas
The anchor holds in spite of the storm
I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas
The anchor holds in spite of the storm.
I am blessed by the assurance of His presence and that He never leaves or forsakes me. I am blessed by the knowledge that He goes before me to prepare the way, and then walks beside me to show the way, while encouraging and upholding me.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”—Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
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