I’m back with another blog based upon some of my personal journey. Recently one of the jobs I’ve had as a Chaplain at a retirement facility for over 11 years came to an end. At the age of 65 and having been there for a while, I didn’t see it coming. But the new ownership group didn’t have the available funds for my position so my position as a Chaplain was cut. I’m not the only one who has gone through a major life change like this. People have worked most of their lives for a particular company just to be called into their boss’ office and to be let go, or to be offered an early retirement package, etc. Those are the events that remind us of “change.” I must add, I’m just grateful to still be the pastor here at this church. I’ve been here for over 12 years and the people have been very supportive and loving and I’m glad and honored to be their pastor. In addition to that, I’m grateful for my wife of 43 years who has been very supportive and loving to me. I’m glad she hasn’t decided to trade me in for a newer model. I’m happy that hasn’t changed.
If we are honest with ourselves, we’ don’t like “change” most of the time. We get comfortable with our patterns of life. When something disrupts our routine, we don’t like it. Losing a loved one, a friend, a job, our health, brings change that is never easy. Someone who goes through a heart by-pass surgery finds their recovery involves a lot of changes they don’t like. Someone who is diagnosed as being a diabetic may have to drastically change their eating habits. Their days imitating the “Cookie Monster” may be gone and substituted with more exercise, less sweets, and probably some medication too.
Change happened to mankind when Adam and Even decided to do their own thing. They rebelled against God and partook of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). They lost their intimate fellowship with God, saw their nakedness and sin, they were removed out of the Garden of Eden, and one day they would die and return back to “dust.” But despite all of that painful change, one thing didn’t change, God. God still loved them just like when he made them. God made man to have fellowship with and even though man sinned, God still loved them and wanted to fellowship with them. That’s why He devised a plan to come in human flesh (Jesus Christ) and die on the cross to bring us back to fellowship with Himself. Yes, God does love us!
Malachi 3:6 says, “I the Lord do not change ....” And Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In a world filled with change, one thing that doesn’t change is God. He is holy and perfect and remains holy and perfect. He loves man before sin and He loves us even after we sin and hurt Him. God doesn’t change. He loves you. So, if you are in the middle of some painful change, remember God is still with you and He loves you. Your circumstances may have changed, you may have changed, but He hasn’t. He loves you and will help you through this very difficult time. And if we can help, let us know. We love you too.
Your Friend in Christ,
Pastor Steve VanAmburg
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