Don’t Miss the Change

Don't Miss

 

Finally, she was home! Finding me out on the patio, fresh in from college, I immediately started talking. So excited to have her home, I talked and talked and talked.

Finally, when I stopped for a moment, she spoke her words: I need to talk to you. It never occurred to me that she found me because she wanted to talk.

“I need to make a change.”

My girl made an important discovery in her life; something that as her mom I should not have missed.

How could I not have seen what my daughter of nearly twenty years was experiencing? Why didn’t I see the change?

Today, I was reading in 1 Chronicles 12 and discovered some men who didn’t fail to miss change.

Saul, the present king of Israel, had been killed. The people were choosing to anoint David as their new king. Many were rejoicing; others were struggling. Change isn’t always easy.

But of the men of Issachar the Bible tells us “All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.”1 Chronicles 12:32 (NLT)

These men weren’t stuck in “what was”. They didn’t let their fear of the future cause them to ignore what was happening around them. They had insight and wisdom to know and recognize what was happening in their country; a new season was approaching. They grabbed onto the new and moved toward what was best for their country.

Sometimes, I think we miss “the signs of the times” because we are simply too busy. Our to-do list blocks us from seeing the indicators of change.

Our kids – they’re changing. Gaining independence, soaking in the culture, trying to figure out what they believe.

Our marriage – it’s moving. Less talk; more silence. Less time together; more time apart in the rush of life.

Our friends – they’re really struggling. But because of our own chaotic worlds, we miss seeing their tension.

We don’t have to miss the change.

We can be wise, like the men of Issachar. In companionship with the Holy Spirit, we can have our ears tuned to the Father and our eyes on our developing situations. As our world around us moves, we can discern what is happening. Leaning into the Lord, we can listen and discern the best course to take for us and for the important relationships around us.

 

 

Lynn

9 Comments

  1. Jodi Michaelides says:

    Lynn, what an great article. It resonates with me. I understand ‘change’ and I welcome it every day. Thank you for your ministry.

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Thanks so much, Jodi!

  2. Here lately I’ve felt like the Lord is telling me there is a change coming. The last time I heard this, it was a very bumpy ride but good in the end. Knowing that God was there and stayed there through it all last time is helping to make whatever is coming this time less scary. 🙂

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      He is always there, Mitzii! He never promised us an easy life. In fact, He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 The best part is the verses before this one. The ones we need to read so that “in me you may have peace.”

  3. This are wise words for me! Sometimes I try to figure things out my way. Trying to fix, trying to see things the wrong way. I love when you say “Leaning into the Lord, we can listen and discern the best course to take for us and for the important relationships around us”. This is something I have to apply more to my life. Leaning into the Lord… that way I can discern what is His will in every situation I am in. Thanks for sharing and encouraging me today. Wise words!

    W/Love,
    Tayrina from TGAWrites

    1. Lynn Cowell says:

      Thanks for stopping by Tayrina!

  4. You are so receptive, Lynn, and such a great mom and friend. Thanks for sharing this today with us at #livefreeThursday!

  5. Such wise words, Lynn. Thanks for sharing your great writing with the #livefree community. Can’t wait to see you again at She Speaks. That opening last year still rocks me “I heard God wrong” but yet here I go again 🙂

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