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People change. It is a well-known fact. From the earliest moments after conception till we are lowered in the ground, we are in a constant state of change. The wonder of our early years fades away into the search for identity from our teenage years and young adulthood via crafts, careers, or higher education. After that comes the need to find fulfillment in love and marriage and family life. Lastly, we seek security and stability in our later years. And that’s if life doesn’t throw all kinds of blazing, red-hot fire balls studded with spikes at us. People change. It is a necessity. Never to change is never to grow. If we are stuck in the wonder of discovery how would we find ‘that place’ to call our own? If we keep searching and searching for our identity, how can we share who we are with a spouse to create a family unit? Thus, how can we have stability in our later years? Change is necessary to the human heart. People change. It is a double-edge sword. Not all change is good. There are times when we make choices that alter our personalities. Optimism turns into pessimism while joy morphs into bitterness. Drive slows into lethargy and passion withers into apathy.

Perhaps life circumstances lead us into a downward spiral. But if we can’t spring back from the downward spiral, we cannot grow. We cannot learn. We cannot change.

Yet sometimes we feel it’s better just to stay at the bottom of the pit. Wallow in the mud and dirt of unrealized dreams and broken opportunities. Suffer the loss of relationships rip apart by miscommunication and ulterior motives. Why bother to change? Enter Our Lord and Savior…the Unchanging God. He reaches out His hand and drags us out the pit. With brisk strokes He wipes off the dirt and mud we saturated ourselves. He leads us away, steady grip. Then you realize He was there the entire time, immovable. We simply neglected to reach out to the Rock.

It’s interesting to note a lot of verses in the Bible make references to God’s steadfastness in a changing world. A particular verse however brings this aspect of God’s nature into blazing light. Matthew 28:20 “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” In order for God to be with us always, He has to be unchanging. In order to be unchanging, He has to have all power, all knowledge, and existing always. He cannot be swept by uncertainty or broken down by powers beyond His control. He doesn’t need to discover Himself or be mystified by His creation. Nothing catches Him by surprise.

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Who wouldn’t serve a God like that?

A hymn I used to sing in church came to mind and I can’t think of a better way to end.

Time is filled with swift transition,

Naught of earth unmoved can stand,

Build your hopes on things eternal,

Hold to God’s unchanging hand.

About the Author:

Parker J. Cole is a writer and radio show host who spends most of her time reading, knitting, writing, cooking, and concocting new ideas for stories. Her first novel, Dark Cherub, won Best of Spring Reading 2013 from eMediaCampaigns. She lives in Michigan with her husband and beloved dog Sarah.

Visit her site at http://www.ParkerJCole.com