How Adaptable Are You to Unavoidable Changes?

Adjusting to life’s ups and downs is an ongoing necessity. It is not a question of whether uncertainties will have to be faced but how to respond. It is possible to confront uncertainty with confidence, for God will teach you how to face the future.

When the future appears questionable, adaptability is the key to successfully managing the unexpected. Adaptability depends on whether a positive or negative emotional state of mind accompanies what appears uncertain and challenging.

Human beings and the majority of God’s creation are designed to be adaptable to changes in life, whether temporary or permanent.

Imagine the twelve disciples and their families adapting to a life of uncertainty and of challenging work. Instead of fishing for a living or collecting taxes, they had to become fishers of men – evangelists who preached the Gospel. Being adaptable opens the door for God to change your life. Are you ready?                

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The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. 

~Psalm 34:19 New International Version 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

~Isaiah 41:10 New International Version 

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In What Ways Are You Dependent on God's Protection?

A primary source of stress and trauma is in the home, where safety and security should be the primary stabilizing influence. Books, television, newspapers, and magazines have shown that violence permeates every strata of culture, creating stress and trauma in its path.

Domestic violence includes physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. Try to imagine the trauma each person experiences when exposed to the destructive force of violence in the home. The offender’s self-respect and integrity are destroyed, while trust for what should be a safe place is lost for the offended.

God never approves of family violence yet promises to be a shelter for those seeking him in the midst of the storm. Psalm 46:1 assures, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear though the earth should tremble and the mountains tumble into the  sea.” 

Trust God to send his help.  

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The [godly,] righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

~Psalm 34:19 New Living Translation

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How Does God Empower You to Face Problems?

The daily routines of life are laced with problems that demand attention. Problems become discouraging when they’re perceived as  unmanageable. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises help: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. When you are tempted, he will provide a way to escape so you can endure it.”

When God empowers you with insight and wisdom, problems may now be perceived as manageable challenges rather than uncontrollable ones. 1John 5:4 gives us confidence to face adversity: “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” 

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ empowers every believer with the knowledge and certainty that solutions to problems are available. Let the love of God at this moment fill you with certainty that you can overcome whatever problems you are facing. 

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Good people suffer many troubles, but the Lord saves them from them all.

~Psalm 34:19 Good News Bible

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Deliverance from Trouble

Trouble has the capacity to upset our emotional and physical equilibrium. Tolerating suffering that originates from trouble is not an easy task. The Greek philosopher Seneca confirmed that "our troubles may originate from behaviors that invite trouble." This implies that our attitudes and behaviors can open the door to trouble.

God's purpose for Jacob was to transform him into a person epitomizing God’s transformation. Continuous trouble persuaded Jacob to return to Bethel, where God first spoke to him in a dream twenty years earlier. God renewed his covenant to bless Jacob as he was being transformed into the man God intended. The Apostle Paul teaches that "we are daily being transformed into the likeness of Christ Jesus.”

Transformation doesn’t shield us from trouble. Psalm 34:19 certifies that "a righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." God will give us strength to change old attitudes that are an invitation to trouble. Thank God for his goodness and mercy. 
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Nothing between us and God,...our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. 
~2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 The Message Study Bible
      Sidebar: ...if we're exposed to Christ, our lives are changed. The change is a result of our relationship with him. By opening ourselves to him, we come under his influence and are changed into his likeness,...from one level of maturity to another...
Eugene H. Peterson, The Message Study Bible, page 1803