Honestly, there are so many thoughts in my head over the past couple of months. I have been blown away by the goodness of the Lord and how he provides what we need every step of the way.
As I step into this next season, not even the World Race season, but finishing high school and preparation for the race, I see the Lord teaching me simple truths daily.
The example I tell you now was when I attended a wedding a couple of weeks ago. I’m a sucker for love. Aren’t we all? It’s the way we are wired by God – to receive His love and not only return it to Him but pour out His love to others as well. When it comes to a wedding, there is often a certain sparkle in the happy couple’s eyes and you can tell when they have walked out their courtship well, following Biblical principles in their relationship to arrive at this covenantal day. This was one of those weddings, and it makes the ceremony all-the-more meaningful and the reception not just a party, but a worshipful celebration honoring God even above the couple.
At the reception, it was time for the maid of honor to make her speech. There’s no other way to explain the words she spoke other than to say they were given to her by the Holy Spirit. Her speech journeyed through the many seasons she and her sister, the bride, had lived through all of their growing up years together. She repeatedly emphasized that each time something in their lives changed, it was okay, and they adjusted. Over and over, God gave them just what they needed to adjust to the new season of life. Ellen’s speech was profound and really has left me thinking.
This is where the devil has been trying to get me to buy into a common fear: the fear that, as seasons change, so will everything else. My life is on the edge of a lot of change from what I have known for eighteen years. Will I adjust? Will trusted relationships adjust as Ellen and Sarah adjusted through the years and the changes?
Change is scary, and as I am trying to walk out this season well, there is a place where fear can enter….fear that I’ve chosen the wrong path. Fear that relationships will be lost. Fear that I am not ready. Fear of the unknown future. All these fears are rooted in lies – none of which are true.
Ellen’s words struck me hard. Changes in life are inevitable; seasons come and seasons go. And the Lord calls us to continually change to be more like Him. It’s okay, He will be there to equip us, to guide us, to show us the next steps, to be near to us when we need to adjust.
Where is the Lord calling you to change? What in your life are you fearful of? How can you adjust and realize that change is okay and God will never leave you?
For me, this was a whole new mindset that I am trying to implement in my life. I’m grateful for Ellen’s wise words and the reminder that change is inevitable, but in the strength of the Lord, I can and will adjust.
Blessings,
Katherine Chandler
Katherine, Ellen’s speech has resonated with me as well. It was beautifully presented to the bride and groom that evening, and you’ve done a worthy job of recalling it here and sharing what you can learn from the wisdom of a childhood neighbor and friend. Growing up is not easy, but it is my privilege to watch a handful of you (including friends and neighbors) grow from young childhood into Christ-following young adults. God has surrounded us and blessed us abundantly with families through the years, and young people more recently, who follow hard after Christ. It is my great joy to watch you, Nathan, and so many other young people live your lives trusting God with the fears and the unknowns, and leaning into His strength through all the changing seasons and transitions. He alone is the steady ROCK who will never fail you!
I’ll keep my eyes and ears open to the speeches and writings of your generation – there is much I can learn from y’all.
Love you, ~Mama
Katherine, I am so encouraged by this! Thank you for stepping out, acknowledging fear and speaking truth into that. I’m so proud to know you and watch you share your love for the Lord in such bold ways.