We deal with many situations and circumstances which can and will change daily. At any given moment we will encounter different scenarios on our journey. The question is how we respond to those changes. I say respond, because reaction to people, places and things will have us on a roller ride. We’ll be tossed to and from, everyday-all day long. I promise you this isn’t what you want. An emotional roller coaster void of a destination.

The word explains it this way, “(until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and from by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

(Eph 4:12-15)

See, people, places, and things are subject to change at any moment. However, we can always count on Jesus as being the one constant in our life.

 Jesus, states in his word, “He is the same yesterday, today and forever”. Then it goes on to say, in Malachi, 3:16, “For I am the Lord, I change not.”

 We have the assurance that God is the constant in our lives. We’re not even expected to depend on or rest in people, places and things. In fact, this puts too much emphasis on people, places and things. It gives too much power to the circumstances for which we have no power to control.

People will be people, places will be places, things will be things!

Acknowledging that we fall short of his glory will put things in perspective for us. We notice that we’ll miss the mark, say or do the wrong things at times, pass judgement, prejudge even overjudge. That proves we’re not perfect, we’re on this journey with a perfect and forgiving God. Which helps us in realizing that we have him on our side to help us in the areas we’re lacking. And, providing the same grace that we’ve been given through Jesus, giving it back to others.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

(1Cor 15:58)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (God’s undeserved kindness and compassion)  (Matt 5:7)

The most important and blessed part of this revelation is that we are covered in the blood of the lamb, kept by a holy father and loved unconditionally. When we’re experiencing times of uncertainty, confusing, unpredictable situations, there is the confidence we have in Jesus.

If you are:

• Struggling in family matters, relationships are estranged, arguments have increased

• Husband or wife feeling lost, alone, neglected, and/or division

• Children are out of control, lack of communication, seclusion, lost, unloved, unwanted

• Work environment is a mess, gossipy, lack of team atmosphere, no clear direction or goals.

• Financial struggles are prevalent, disorganization in areas of life, confusion on next steps, taking care of parents or loved ones, overwhelming times in life

• Burden with the vicissitudes of life, wanting to cave in, give up and quit

• Basically, not to downplay any of the above circumstances or feelings, because they are very real. For sure, many of the above-mentioned struggles will spill over into every area of our lives.

Again, I say, people will be people, places will be places, things will be things!

There are many things we have no control over. We may not be able to change things or our current circumstances, however we serve a God who is there with us. We are not alone, although it may feel that way. Some of these circumstances aren’t going to disappear, but the way we view it can. We can begin to see life’s challenges as opportunities to grow.

 Ask these questions:

1)How does Jesus view our struggles? Does he see it or us as defeated? Does he see it as opportunities for growth, is he maturing us in areas? Is he building or faith and trust in him? Is he reminding us of the scripture, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”(Psalm 18:2)

2) What are we to take from this situation? Is it something we have caused and want Jesus to fix? And that’s okay too, because he can you serve a Big God.

3) When we’re free from these struggles what will we do with what we have learned? How will God get the Glory out of our circumstances. We’ll help someone else, through grief, heartache, depression, loneliness etc.

I can guarantee that things will change with time. During these seasons “look to the hills which your help comes from, your help comes from God.”

(Psalm 12:1-2)

And this too shall pass. It won’t always be like this. Your perspective makes a difference in how you perceive where you are. See, letting people, places and things control you will have you unstable.

Decide today to Not Be Moved by People, Places and Things.

Reminder:

Scripture to hold on to in time of trouble…

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. “ (2Cor 4:7-9)

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG)

I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (CEV)

“The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm. So always trust the Lord because he is forever our mighty rock.”

Romans 15:13 (CEV)

I pray that God, who gives hope that he will bless you with complete joy and peace because of your faith.

And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

(Eph 4:12-15) “He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ.”