The signs of changing into this season of autumn are obvious. Trees are displaying their colourful attire that signals that summer is past and a new season is arriving. We are experiencing that cooler change in weather and the mornings when we need a sweater or jacket remind us of a new season. Crisp fall apples are weighing down the trees when we drive past orchards and this is yet another sign of a changing season. We read in the Old Testament in Daniel 2:20,21: “Praise be the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Are you experiencing a changing season in your life? Whenever we face changes, whether big or small, it is a time to turn to God in prayer and to ask Him to guide us through the changes. If we are insisting on an outcome that we want or if we are determined to navigate changes in our own stubborn ways, we may miss what God intends. Tomorrow, September 21st, when we pause for WEDNESDAY PRAYER TOGETHER at 1 pm, we will commit our plans to God and trust Him to lead us in His way through every change that we are encountering and that we will encounter.
Thanking God for His constant accompaniment through all of the changes of our lives, Pastor Lola
Our God, we thank You for this new fall season that confirms for us that our lives are filled with many changes. Sometimes we resist change and want to hold on to what was. Forgive us we pray for the times that we dig in our heels and try to preserve everything as it has been. Please release our attachments to what was that could prevent us from welcoming what is and what can be. We always want to be learning from past experiences and pray that You will be our Teacher. Thank You for this time in which we are living. When we become distraught by the upheaval of our present world, please allow us to understand that You are implementing Your eternal plan of redemption. Help us to recognize the possibility of seeing You more clearly as You persist in changing hearts and minds. When all we can see is how we are convinced that others need to change, please guide us to step willingly into the changes that You are orchestrating for us. And God we ask that You will deal firmly with us in the areas where change is a gift that we will need courage to receive. When we confine change to what we think we could feel comfortable with, please expand our perspective. We are praying that our choice to look expectantly to each new day with the changes that You are implementing will encourage others to do the same. We trust You God because You are our God of wisdom and of power. We ask You to walk hand in hand with us into every change that You initiate. We invite the wisdom and knowledge that You are able to provide. We are praying for deep sensitivity to those who are feeling threatened by looming changes. Please give us eyes to see where people are hurting because of difficult changes and help us to find active and practical ways of expressing care. In our desire to become more and more like Jesus Your Son, we want to keep seeking the changes necessary for this to be the pattern that we follow. In Jesus’ Name we bring You these our prayers. AMEN