Unexpected Change
"You do not even know what will happen tomorrow"
In
January 1943, warm Chinook winds hit Spearfish, South Dakota, quickly
raising the temperatures from –4° to 45°F (–20° to 7°C). That drastic
weather change—a swing of 49 degrees—took place in just two minutes.
The widest temperature change recorded in the USA over a
twenty-four-hour period is an incredible 103 degrees! On January 15,
1972, Loma, Montana, saw the temperature jump from −54° to 49°F (–48° to
9°C).
Sudden change, however, is not simply a weather phenomenon. It’s sometimes the very nature of life. James reminds us, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (4:13–14). An unexpected loss. A surprise diagnosis. A financial reversal. Sudden changes.
Life is a journey with many unpredictable elements. This is precisely why James warns us to turn from “arrogant schemes” (v. 16) that do not take the Almighty into account. As he advised us, “You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ ” (v. 15). The events of our lives may be uncertain, but one thing is sure: through all of life’s unexpected moments, our God will never leave us. He’s our one constant throughout life.
Sudden change, however, is not simply a weather phenomenon. It’s sometimes the very nature of life. James reminds us, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow” (4:13–14). An unexpected loss. A surprise diagnosis. A financial reversal. Sudden changes.
Life is a journey with many unpredictable elements. This is precisely why James warns us to turn from “arrogant schemes” (v. 16) that do not take the Almighty into account. As he advised us, “You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ ” (v. 15). The events of our lives may be uncertain, but one thing is sure: through all of life’s unexpected moments, our God will never leave us. He’s our one constant throughout life.
Reflect & Pray
When
facing sudden change, how do you respond?
What do you think an appropriate faith response to life’s surprises should look like?
What do you think an appropriate faith response to life’s surprises should look like?
Father, forgive me for the times I worry over things I couldn’t anticipate or can’t control,
and help me to find my rest in You.
and help me to find my rest in You.
Change is harder for me to grasp. It's hard because I love feeling settled. I love adventure, but I would say I love more temporary adventure, something I know is only lasting for a short period of time, then I am all for new things. With sudden change al at once, I don't handle it well. I feel more thrown and displaced. I need to know there is consistency and having the stability of what I know. God, I know this is from you and I need to rest in that and have faith and patience in the unknown.
ReplyDeleteThis immediately brings to mind, Werner, who we have been praying for. Such a servant of God, with an amazing heart for Jesus, finally gets to a well earned retirement and in an instant, he is devastated by life threatening injuries from fire. My heart is so heavy for him and Sherri, how quickly life can change. I am not a fan of change and yet, I try and always say yes to opportunities when God presents them. All of my jobs have been from just saying yes to the person who asked me.
ReplyDeleteI think about the phrase "that do not take the Almighty into account"- hit me. I have often thought about the phrase, if it is the Lords will then.... but just the thought of always including God as you consider every move in your life. Weather its decisions for your family, politics, what you purchase.. all considering God's view and submitting to Him.
ReplyDeleteI have had several events in my life of sudden change. It leaves you reeling and catching your breath. I find it difficult to accept the new situation and it takes a while to establish new footing. The reorientation helps you see the world and people in a new way.
ReplyDelete