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The Key to Navigating Change Well ––Guest Post by Grace Fox

Jennifer Slattery

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Our world has been experiencing significant and constant change for some time, and many of us feel anxious and unsettled. But as my guest today reminds us, amidst all the change, some things are certain. May we anchor our hearts and feet in those unchanging, faith-bolstering truths.

Navigating Change Well by Guest Blogger Grace Fox 

Change is seldom pain-free. Even good changes carry challenges, right? Becoming a parent, for instance, means learning to function on very little sleep. Starting a new job may require moving to a new city. Seeking better health often means changing one’s eating habits.

In contrast, life sometimes deals a blow that requires change beyond the scope of our imagination. COVID-19 falls into that category. Some of the changes you and I are undergoing fall into the category of minor inconvenience. Others are monumental. So, how do we cope? How do we walk this journey when the path before us constantly shifts direction? Our personal circumstances will dictate specific steps we take, but there’s one principle that remains the same for everyone.

With my whole heart, I believe the key to navigating change well lies in where we camp our thoughts. Click To Tweet

With my whole heart, I believe the key to navigating change well lies in where we camp our thoughts. If we linger on the what-ifs, then fear will rule us. If we park on the disappointments, then anger, bitterness, or self-pity will take control. But if we park our minds on truth, then we will walk this journey with maturity and grace.

So—what’s the truth? God still loves us. He always has our best interest in mind, and nothing can touch us that He does not allow. Click To Tweet

For me, COVID-19 has been and continues to be an opportunity to walk out what I teach—that understanding God’s love helps us get through the challenges we face when everything familiar shifts. With that in mind, here are three truths to help keep us grounded and secure as we try to understand what our new normal might look like.

  • God’s love will calm our fears.

Freedom from fear comes when we remember that God’s presence is with us through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Click To Tweet He will teach us, guide us, and comfort us through the disruptions we’re facing. It also helps to remember that God delights in us and rejoices over us, therefore He would never do anything designed to destroy us. We can rest in His care like a newborn rests in her mother’s arms.

Quote pulled from post“For the Lord your God is living among you.  He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)

  • God’s love is stronger than any force seen or unseen.

COVID-19 has upended our world, but this crisis doesn’t mean God loves us less. No matter what the future holds, He holds us close to His heart. Nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from His love. He’s got our backs as we navigate the changes thrust on us.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,  neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)

  • God’s love gives us the ability to rejoice in every situation.

We certainly don’t rejoice in COVID-19 and the way it’s wreaking havoc. But we do rejoice in knowing that God’s love will never let us go. We rejoice in His provision and protection. We rejoice in opportunities to connect with friends and family via technology. And we rejoice in knowing He will use this difficult season to deepen our faith and make us more like Jesus.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3-5 NLT)

When the enemy tries to fill your mind with anxious thoughts, fight back with these three truths about God’s love. Write out the three Scriptures and post them in an obvious place. Keep your mind fixed on them, ask God to make them a living reality in your life, and you will navigate these changes well.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Get to know Grace!

Grace Fox's headshotGrace Fox is a career global worker and the author of nine books including Moving From Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation. She’s a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team for Proverbs 31 Ministries and a regular contributor to Guideposts’ annual devotional, Mornings With Jesus.

Grace and her husband Gene co-direct International Messengers Canada, a sending agency with career missionaries in 28 countries. She leads short-term mission teams to Eastern Europe annually, trains nationals for career ministry in the Middle East, and provides missionary care.

Grace lives aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, she and Gene celebrate three grown kids and nine grandchildren.

Learn more about Grace on her website and connect with her on Facebook.

Moving From Fear to Freedom: A woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation:

From Fear to Freedom CoverFears, if left unchecked, can tie us in knots and hinder us from enjoying life and becoming who God intended us to be. Moving From Fear to Freedom: A Woman’s Guide to Peace in Every Situation identifies common fears women face and then provides practical solutions for overcoming them using real-life stories and biblical truth. Discover how to experience peace while facing an unknown future, accept the exciting assignments God has for you, say goodbye to the ghosts of your past, and more. (Harvest House Publishers)

*Wholly Loved Ministries takes no responsibility for guest’s theology, associations, and interactions shared apart from our blog and may not be cognizant of these things.

Connect with Jennifer Slattery on Facebook and Instagram, and find her latest release, Building a Family, HERE.

If you’re looking for more support and to connect with a community of women all growing in their faith, make sure to join Wholly Loved's private community. You can find us HERE. 

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who hosts the Faith Over Fear podcast. She’s addressed women’s groups, Bible studies, and writers across the nation. She’s the author of Building a Family and numerous other titles and maintains a devotional blog at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com.

As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, she’s passionate about helping women experience Christ’s freedom in all areas of their lives. Visit her online to learn more about her speaking or to book her for your next women’s event  and sign up for her free quarterly newsletter HERE  and make sure to connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.