The Importance of Change
For some of us change is easy. We love the excitement of trying something new, stepping out of our comfort zone, and experiencing a new activity. Without something new, we tend to grow bored and disengaged. But for others of us, change makes us uneasy. We are more comfortable with the familiar and predictable. When life is steady, we're able to not only come alive but thrive.
Whether you're a fan of change or one who tries to resist it at all costs, everyone inevitably faces seasons of transition in life. What's your response? Take the HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO CHANGE? Quiz to find out:
How Do You Respond to Change? Quiz
1. You've planned to grab lunch with one of your best friends at your favorite restaurant. You've had the lunch date on your calendar for more than 2 weeks. But on the way to the restaurant, they call and say they can't make it. You respond by:
a) Bemoaning their cancellation and questioning the details of why they won't be able to meet you. You feel like your day is ruined.
b) Gently asking if you can do anything to help their day go better and finding out when they can reschedule.
c) Telling them that it's no problem and you 2 will get a date on the calendar soon. Without missing a beat, you run through your phone list to see who else might be able to grab a last-minute lunch with you.
2. You've invited a couple you know to go out for an afternoon together. When they arrive at your door, you discover that they've brought 3 more people with them. You respond by:
a) Trying not to let your exasperation about the situation show. You work hard to keep your cool regarding the uninvited and unexpected guests.
b) Waiting for a free moment with one of your friends to find out why the 3 people came. Once you understand the situation, you make the best of the circumstances.
c) Recognizing that your friends have provided the perfect opportunity for a small party. You're excited about the unexpected surprise.
3. The worship leader at your church decides that instead of singing familiar songs that he's going to spend the next month completely to all new tunes. You respond by:
a) Letting the pastor and worship leader know how important the well-known, beloved songs are to you and the church. After church you solicit the help of a few friends to share similar concerns with the church staff.
b) Recognizing that learning new songs is sometimes difficult, but committing to hang in there for the next month and hope to learn something new.
c) Celebrating the new music being sung in your church and the opportunity to learn fresh songs.
4. The grocery store you always shop in has been closed for renovation. When the store reopens you discover non of the items are where they used you be. You respond by:
a) Complaining to the manager and then shopping at another grocery store you're more familiar with.
b) Spending a few weeks studying the store's new layout and asking a clerk to help you find specific items.
c) Loving the new layout and design. You can't wait to tell all of your friends about the changes.
Scoring:
Tally up the total number of A's, B's, and C's.
If you answered mostly A's, then you're a natural fan of consistency in your life. When change comes, you may be hesitant to try new things. But your friends probably find you rock solid and a source of stability. While it may be a challenge at first, reminding yourself that change will inevitably happen may help you to minimize the stress you experience as a result of change.
If you answered mostly B's then you have both an appreciation for consistency and an ability to embrace change in moderation. You've learned to be flexible no matter what life brings you.
If you answered mostly C's, then you likely thrive whenever change is in the air. You love trying new things, exploring new places, and learning about almost anything new.
No matter your natural response to change, the book of Ecclesiastes reminds us that a time under the sun exists for everything- including planting and uprooting. Sometimes we find ourselves in a season of planting- a time when we stay in one place, root deeper in our relationships and community, and embrace the stability that naturally comes. But other times, we find ourselves in a season of uprooting-a time when change is taking place all around, even within us. Whatever season you find yourself in, rest assured that God is with you and He longs to see you flourish and to bring you to an even more fruitful life in Him.
1) What surprised you or caught your attention about your personal results to the quiz? What is the hardest part about change for you?
In the book of Genesis, we discover the story of Joseph, a man who was planted and uprooted many times. Growing up as one of twelve kids, Joseph lives on the receiving end of constant ridicule from his brothers. Joseph had the gift of interpreting dreams and was his dad's favorite son. To show his favor, his dad even gave Joseph a coat covered in brilliant colors.
As if they weren't already jealous enough of Joseph's favorite son status, the brothers' jealousy reached a fever pitch when a well-intentioned Joseph told them of a dream he had that one day they would bow down to him. Fed up, the brothers sold Joseph into slavery, assuming they'd never hear from him again. Incredibly, after an adventure of triumphs and trials, Joseph wound up as second in command to Pharoah, the king of Egypt.
During his time in Egypt, Joseph interpreted the king's dreams. God gave him the ability to see that there would be seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. The Egyptians were then able to gather and save during the years of abundance and to portion during the years of famine. But during the famine, Joseph's brothers came begging for help. Much to their surprise, the brother they abandoned was now Pharaoh's right-hand man. After mercy and forgiveness were extended, Joseph and Pharaoh invited Joseph's family to come live in Egypt so they might survive the years of famine.
2) Read Genesis 47:1-12. How did Joseph's father, Jacob (also known as Israel), and his family respond to the opportunity to settle in Goshen in the midst of famine?
The Israelites remained in Egypt for many years and multiplied in abundance. They were fulfilling the creation mandate: to be fruitful and increase in number (Genesis 1:28). Some scholars estimate the Israelites stayed in Egypt for over 400 years- long after Joseph and his brothers passed away.
3) Read Exodus 1:1-7. How were Joseph and his descendants blessed as they settled and put down roots in the area?
4) Describe a time in the past when you senses God's blessed and provision as you put down roots in a new location, job, or stage in life. How did you know that God was with you during the time of transition?
The scene in Egypt changed for the Israelites after years of thriving. Though God brought Joseph, his family, and his descendants to Egypt, they could no longer stay if they were going to flourish. The Israelites' growth became threatening to the new Pharaoh in charge. The new Pharaoh feared Isreal and ultimately became an enemy of God.
5) Read Exodus 1:8-22. What made the descendants of Joseph and his father, Jacob, known as the Israelites, want to uproot and leave Egypt?
The closing of Genesis set the scene for the changes the Israelites were about to face in the book of Exodus. After the Israelites settled in Goshen and experienced provision and growth, a new ruler took over Egypt who didn't treat the Israelites with kindness. The Israelites had to leave. Exodus is the tale of their journey out of Egypt and toward the promised land God had for them. In order to flourish again, they needed to uproot themselves from everything that was familiar. Throughout the long and difficult journey God reminded the people that He was with them time and time again.
6) When in the last year have you realized you needed to be uprooted from the place you'd been planted? How did you navigate the transition? What did you discover about God through the process?
No matter what transition we're facing, we can find comfort knowing that God is with us. In face, one of God's names is "Alpha and Omega," the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. The name symbolizes that God is the beginning and the end of all things, but also implies that He is with us in the middle.
7) Read Revelation 1:8 and Revelation 22:13. Which is more meaningful in your own life- the idea that God is with you or the idea that God goes before you? Why?
8) What potential transitions are you facing in your relationships, workplace, finances, or living situation? In what areas is God inviting you to trust Him more during this time of transition?
Change isn't easy for most people. But rest assured that whenever you face a time of transition, God is with you. He longs to see you flourish and to bring you to a more fruitful life in Him.
Digging Deeper
Read Luke 24:13-35. Sometimes change is hard to wrap our minds around. This was particularly true after Jesus' death and resurrection, when many of His followers wondered what happened. How did Jesus meet His followers and help them understand what took place? When you're facing times of transition, what role do prayer and Scripture play in helping you make sense of what's happening?
Bonus Activity
Reflecting on this, consider the potential transitions you're facing in your life. Consider writing them down on a piece of paper. Then ask God to reveal Himself in the midst of each one as the Alpha and Omega-the God who goes before you and with you every step of the way.
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