The only thing constant is change

It seems since the fall we have been seeing a lot of things change in the world and in personal lives. If you are a federal worker you have seen a lot of change in the last few months. Most notably, many people are losing their jobs with recent cuts.

Some have taken buyouts and have retired early. Some are waiting for the axe to fall, some have resigned. The outcome will be a leaner meaner government in the end. While many people like that idea. The last time this was tried was in 1980. By 1982 the world was in a recession. Many feel these changes are necessary and for the most part they are in view of the current state of things around this world at the present time. Sadly good people get hurt in the end. The effect also is not just felt by those immediately affected. Like in the 1980s the lack of jobs led to less money spent and more layoffs all over the country. For Buffalo, NY where I grew up the biggest casualties for the area were the loss of many heavy industries, most notably the steel plants closed during that time. Nationally there were a lot of high profile bankruptcies. One historic maneuver by the Milwaukee Railroads was to abandon everything it had west of Minneapolis, Minnesota to Washington State. It was the largest rail abandonment in recorded history.

During that time we had some lean years as a family and it’s something I will never forget. Though it all we had help and we were also able to help others from time to time. There was a period where we had a family living with ours for a few months while dealing with the fallout of the times. Eventually they were able to get back on their feet again. The scars however do remain.

Often at times when you go through hardships like that it is difficult to see the blessings you have in your life. Also the correction that those times brought to get you back on track. Hardships help you appreciate what you have or had. You often learn to live without when the prosperity goes away.

One verse that came to mind in recent times was Proverbs 16:9

“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.”

A very basic description of the fact that we can choose what we do and plan it out but ultimately God is in charge and he will get you to where you need to be. That includes the hard times and the good times. Often in good times we need more correction than in bad. The only way we get where He wants us to be is by submitting to his will. That includes when it is not what we wanted or we find ourselves in a place we do not wish it to be.

The core of a Christian is to trust in God and hold onto what scriptures like Proverbs 16:9 spell out for us. That he, no matter what is still in charge. Another one we must always remember is Romans 8:28.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

Another promise and indicator that all things work together for good no matter what you see around you and how unpleasant it may be. This is a promise he gives those he called and those who respond to his calling.

Only God knows the future and he will be there for his people no matter what. We can rest in what he tells us in scripture knowing that it is truth and he is telling us He will be there for us no matter what.

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship