Aware as I may be of time’s passage, I tend to either under- or over-estimate its seeming effects. I get tunnel-visioned on the things that have been the same for several years without appreciating the ways in which those very things are slightly different from what they were at first, or I get caught up in the perceived cataclysm of alterations that in hindsight were of minimal consequence. Either way, there is eventually a moment of reckoning, where reflections upon the past result in sudden comprehension of the changes around me. I must be careful that such realizations inspire neither fear nor apathy, as may be my initial inclination according to my emotions, but rather take them as opportunities to better perceive the will of God in my life and the world around me.
Apprehension concerning the unknown future is fairly common, and present change brings such considerations into focus. Even if we are unhappy with our present circumstances, we are at least familiar with them, and exert a degree of mental control over them by our comprehension. Alterations to the status-quo are inherent disruptions to our ways of dealing with them, potentially threatening our perceived stability; we may rather be inclined to eschew the risk entirely, even at the sacrifice of improvement. Such may be our view as worldly beings; but those redeemed by the blood of Christ have no such reason to fear! His plan is set from before the beginning, and His power encompasses everything at all times, so there can be no true uncertainty in His sovereignty.
Be warned, however; our security is no justification for apathy! As the children of God, we are blessed to His service, and this means remaining attentive to His calling. By this we are sanctified, changed in ourselves to be more righteous according to His glory, and thus made yet more suitable as instruments of His purpose. Indeed, we ought to desire ourselves to be part of the world’s inevitable changing, not according to the whims of nature but as instigators towards piety and worship. And as we occasionally weaken in our zeal, God has been known to spur His Church in revival by means of tumultuous times and seasons. Let us be sure to always maintain awareness of His directing, always attending to His Spirit and His Word.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified. – Romans 8:26-30
Be ready! TTT