by Victoria Heinecke

You are never alone in a time of change.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19 New International Version

Recently, my husband and I drove west to see the fall color in the mountains. Although we Coloradans like to boast of the natural beauty in our state, the majority of our trees change into one color: yellow. I jokingly refer to it as seeing fall color, emphasizing the singular yellow which dominates the mountainsides. While it is beautiful, I miss the fiery array of red and orange trees in my former home state of Michigan.

There’s a brevity to the seasonal change, and in an instant, with the first windstorm or snowfall, the color is gone.

Change sometimes hits us like that in life.

Life can seem to be going well until a life-changing event occurs. At times, we see others whose lives don’t seem to change as much and we wish for a more routine life.

It can feel as if you are alone, while you’re changing into something new. Even the evergreens around you are changing from year to year. Change is not always apparent, in both trees and people.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.“
Deuteronomy 31:8 New International Version

Take comfort in God’s everlasting love, which never changes!

Here’s another way to look at the yellow tree: it’s surrounded by the evergreens. God surrounds us with his love and grace, and the community of believers act as the hands and feet of the Lord, surrounding us in prayer and support. When that happens, God is glorified!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 New International Version

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado