Life's Two Constants

Tuesday, September 24, 2019
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Listen while you read: "There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing"1 (Lyrics)

Two things in life are certain.

The first constant is change.

From the time of birth, a baby is constantly facing change. Change is sometimes welcomed, but often, it is not.

Like it or not, we continually face change.

How often have you seen a baby crying when being held by someone new, only to watch the crying stop when the child is returned to the familiar arms of the parent?

This desire for familiarity continues through childhood. Some children eagerly await the excitement of attending school for the first time, but often they greet it with fear and trepidation when the familiar is replaced by something new — fear for both the child and the parent.

This apprehension continues all through life. While it is exciting to anticipate some new adventure, often, and particularly as we age, we wish that things would remain the same, just like they were.

Although we may wish that things would stay the same, things constantly change.

The only important thing, then, is how we react to change.

Our guide in this connection is the other constant: our God is unchanging and will continue to be forever.

His love, as expressed through Christ Jesus and made clear by the Holy Spirit, teaches us always to choose to be positive.

The wonderful strength that we have to choose to be positive has been eloquently expressed in the wonderful hymn written by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932).

    He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
    He sendeth more strength as our labors increase,
    To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
    To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace.

    When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
    When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done,
    When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
    Our Father's full giving is only begun.

    His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
    His power no boundary known unto men:
    For out of his infinitive riches in Jesus
    He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Change is constant. There is nothing that can be done to stop it. But we do have the option to choose to be positive in all our reactions because of the unchanging love of our God. We will make a difference. Let us make it a good one!

Prayer: Dear Father, we give thanks that You are unchanging. You are constantly the same. Thank You for giving us Your Son, Jesus, to show us how to react positively to all the changes that come in life. May each of us be an influence for good in all things. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thank you so much Vince.


    May we be just that, Vincent.


    Thanks, Vincent. An excellent choice indeed.


    Thank you, Vincent, your message is very timely as I face a huge challenge today. Blessings to you!


    Thanks for a good and encouraging word today Walter.
    Blessings.


    Thank you, Vincent, for this reminder that change is inevitable, but our reaction can make all the difference. Blessings.


    Hello Vincent
    Thank you, another beautiful devotional. I find only Christ can help me gracefully change and so thankful He does.
    God bless you.


    You are one of the PresbyCan’s best writers. Keep them coming Vince. This topic today is something everyone struggles with – remaining positive in the face of change. Thank you for this contribution and God richly bless you.


    Thank you, Vincent, for these encouraging (and challenging) words. That is a good hymn! And how right and refreshing to replace the old saying of, “The only constants are change and taxes” to the truth of “change and our unchanging God”!
    Blessings.


    Hello Vince,
    Thank you for another very important reminder that following Jesus must be the “constant” in our lives. His love for us never changes.
    Blessings to you for the devotionals you submit. Enjoy a great day!
    (B.C.)


    Dear Walter:
    Our dear Lord is definitely inspiring you with such wonderful words. I thank you for sharing them with us all. The hymn is perfect; another inspiration to that writer of the Lord.
    I pray He keeps inspiring you and blesses you with strength in every way you need.


    Walter, Walter, Walter, you have once again given me a devotional hug.
    My life has so changed since my husband suddenly passed.
    I’m doing things I’ve never had to do before.
    I am every one’s worst nightmare. But there is one constant; I cannot deny Christ in all of these things. I am thankful for the home we built together, thankful for the savings we put aside, for the small income I do receive. I am thankful that our heavenly Father is pulling me through life’s garbage but mostly, I am thankful my husband does not have to deal with this anymore. He is so well taken care of now. He is extremely missed; however, my consolation is he is free from the meanness of this world.
    Thank you for your reminder.


    Good for all of us but especially those of us who are older.


    True words, Vince! Thanks for this devotional!
    Blessings.


    Your devotion was of great comfort and inspiration to myself and my brother-in-law.
    My sister, in her 60’s, had brain surgery for cancer recently, (to hopefully buy her some time).
    This set of changes has been hard to accept. Your devotional helped.
    Thank you.


    Thank you for the devotional featuring the change and the constant. We praise God that he is unchanging.
    Keep writing.

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