With this topic assignment, I knew I could write a short piece about caterpillars and their clichéd transformation into beautiful butterflies, but this concept really has a lot more to unpack. There is no denying 2020 has been full of changes! Some were expected, many were not, and all have been viewed through the eyes of weary mothers around the world wondering how these changes will affect their families.
“It is very much worth noting that while change can shake us, we were created by a Savior who is unchanging.”
It is very much worth noting that while change can shake us, we were created by a Savior who is unchanging. Nothing else in life is completely steadfast which is why God’s faithful character is quite literally impossible for us to fully grasp. Let these words from King David remind you of the immutable God who loves you- “Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But you are always the same; you will live forever. The children of your people will live in security. Their children’s children will thrive in your presence.” (Psalm 102:25-28 NLT) To have a relationship with the God who can make those eternal claims is such a peace-giving notion. I love the mental picture of God on His heavenly throne never once expressing surprise because “He was the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV) Thank you, Lord, for not changing despite earthly circumstances!
While our God is unchanging, we live in a world full of daily adjustments (some micro like a poorly timed dirty diaper and some macro like a baby coming many weeks early!). How do we honor God and rejoice despite changes? Jen Wilkin writes in her book In His Image (page 102) that “When we meet trials, we do not rejoice in the suffering they bring but in the faithfulness of God to use them to shape us, that we might become like Christ. God is faithful in the midst of trial, and faithful in the aftermath of trial to work all things for our good.” So by focusing on God, the unchanging One, we can survive any change and Lord-willing, come out of it looking more like Christ.
John 13:35 says that our “love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” My prayer is that we all come out of 2020 more loving because that would show the world the best change of all – the life-changing power that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
– Danielle
Real Moms. Real Life. 