Perspectives

Weathering sudden changes

By Tim Morrow
Posted 11/7/19

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Being from the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, I have a good understanding of what incredible colors can be seen from autumn leaves.

Not to …

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Perspectives

Weathering sudden changes

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Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Being from the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, I have a good understanding of what incredible colors can be seen from autumn leaves.

Not to leave Wyoming out of the fall beauty, I have learned to also love the beauty of fall in the Rockies and basin area we call home. One of my favorite scenes is the Shoshone River that I cross coming to my house each day. In the fall, the yellow and orange colors seen from the bridge along the river are just magnificent. I look forward to seeing that each year.

However, this year the bright colors did not arrive as usual. It appears we went directly from summer temperatures to winter overnight. The sudden change, I must admit, left me quite disappointed in the outcome. The leaves, instead of turning brilliant colors, went from green to brown almost instantly. Sudden changes of disappointment are not a welcome aspect of our lives, but they are reality.

For the Christian, we know that these “sudden changes of disappointment” will be a part of our existence. Being a Christian doesn’t exclude that fact. What we Christians do have is the assurance of two things in particular.

First we know that whatever comes into our lives, God isn’t shocked. This article isn’t taking space to get into explanations of “why” disappointments happen, or “why” God didn’t stop it from happening. Rather, just to remind us that God is in charge, he is sovereign … He is in control.

Second, being that he is in control and we are his children, he is right beside us. He is walking with us. Jesus said of this life we live, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

If you are a Christian — that is, you have but your faith in trust in Christ Jesus alone for your salvation — then “take heart.” Though you may be going through unexpected difficult change, God is not caught off-guard by your plight. Nor is God going to leave you while you deal with your circumstance. Let the words of Christ Jesus, “I have overcome the world” ring in your ears. He will be with you, and bring you out the other side.

 

(Tim Morrow is the pastor of New Life Church of Powell.)

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