OUR CHANGING WORLD
Who of us can know for certain what tomorrow may hold? Our lives can change in an instant.
Recently we had a visit from cyclone Alfred causing floods in various parts of Australia. Instantly lives changed, and miraculously only one life lost. This event reminded me of a similar flood event in 2011. We lived in Moggill and our church was transformed into a haven; SES set up their operation in the office area, people slept in the church, barbecues were set up on the verandah. The shopping area was underwater and when urgent medication was needed a diver plunged into the water, found the chemist and was able to bring to the refuge centre medicines that were urgently needed.
However, there could also be sudden positive events; a substantial inheritance, a long-prayed for pregnancy, meeting the love of your life..
None of us can predict these things. As one person said, “Life happens”. Nothing remains the exactly the same, although perhaps we would like to think it does. Think for instance when we were young nothing was more delightful than to spend hours getting ready for a party, where we danced the night away to loud music. However, as we age nothing is more delightful than to spend a few moments getting rid of the tight clothes, the uncomfortable shoes, slipping into a gown and slippers and settling down to a quiet evening with a good book, watching a good movie or listening to soft music.
The other reality is that our relationships change, people come into our lives, but few are life-long contacts. Each move along their own path which may well take them to distant lands. Children grow up and leave the nest, friends may immigrate, death comes into all our lives. The secret is to value each other, while we can.
Amongst all this change there is one constant; Our eternal, unchangeable God. Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) and in Hebrews 13:8 we read, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He is our heavenly Father, our eternal Friend and Saviour, our strength in times of weakness, our guide through all the vagaries of life.
Can I ask then, “Why are some people afraid to become a Christian when God has demonstrated His love so magnificently?” Who would not want a positive, strong, up-building constant in this changing world?
