Change is hard for most of us. We are naturally resistant to it. But we must constantly be ready to embrace change when it comes.
Human nature has always resisted change. For example, read the following letter written January 31, 1829 by Martin Van Buren, then governor of New York, to President Jackson, concerning an “evil” new business enterprise threatening our nation:
To President Jackson,
The canal system of this country is being threatened by the spread of a new form of transportation known as “railroads.” The federal government must preserve the canals for the following reasons:
- If canal boats are supplanted by “railroads,” serious unemployment will result. Captains, cooks, drivers, hostlers, repairmen and lock tenders will be left without means of livelihood, not to mention the numerous farmers now employed in growing hay for the horses.
- Boat builders would suffer, and towline, whip and harness makers would be left destitute.
- Canal boats are absolutely essential to defend the United States. In the event of the expected trouble with England, the Erie Canal would be the only means by which we could ever move the supplies so vital to waging modern war.
As you may well know, Mr. President, “railroad” carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of fifteen miles per hour by “engines” which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops, scaring the livestock and frightening women and children. The Almighty certainly never intended that people should travel at such breakneck speed. —Martin Van Buren, Governor of New York.
Isn’t that an amazing story? A future president of the United States was extremely resistant to a change that was inevitable. And nothing would stop the change that was on the horizon.
It is also inevitable that the Lord has “change” in store for each of us and for His church, and nothing will stop the change that is coming in the future. Let’s embrace change when it comes, and trust our God for greater things. “His plans for us are for good, to give us a future and a hope.” (Jere. 29:11)
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Pastor Kreider: I live in Cornwall Ontario, Canada and attend a church called Harvest Christian Fellowship where my wife and I enjoy responsibility for welcoming new attendees at our church and providing connection points to introduce them to church life. We are hosting a small group using “the Cry for Spiritual Fathers and Mothers” during a time when God is speaking so very clearly to our church about parenting relationships.
In reading your book I have been particularly impacted on the chapter “Fathering Your Fields”. I was moved to tears as I read your presentation of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14 and your explanation of the boundaries that should not be crossed. I believe that this is the clearest presentation of these principles and the heart of the Father for safety and autonomy with grace, that I have happened across.
I have been saved for my entire life and been part of A good many local churches and seen the damage that well meaning people have inflicted in not honoring these boundaries. The church in which we now serve has a history and commitment in harmony with this teaching for which I am truly grateful.
I will certainly be embracing this approach in my ministry to others and thank you for adding to my understanding and growth in this area. Changeis indeed hard, but Canberra made safer when these principles are honored.
Thank you for the encouraging comment, David. God’s best to you!
Larry K