Changing of the Guard

It seems like much of our lives we spend time trying to keep things calm.  Change makes many us of very nervous - we really don't like the uncertainty which comes from stepping into a new job, visiting a new place, even meeting new people can often bring about great stress.

Tonight, though, the phrase "Changing of the Guard" was greeted with great excitement and joy in our town, Oklahoma City.  Tonight, our Oklahoma City Thunder took on the reining NBA Champs the Dallas Mavericks and put them away early in the 2nd half.  The Mavs, long admired now look very tired.  The Thunder, on the other hand, have the enthusiasm and vigor of youth.  The enduring legs to fight through tough stretches.  An ability to take a punch and go on.  Oklahoma City now looks like a team that will win championships many times over - it is a new age in the NBA, it is a passing of the torch.  It is a change that could not have been more evident and clear.  

I'm just thinking.  We can look at the need for change in some areas of our life and live in fear that it will happen.  In others (like our embrace of the Thunder's victory), we see change and we revel in it, spread it to all who will listen and give others a piece of the thrill that happens when we realize we are living change.

"All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you.  In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you.  I won't give up on you; I won't leave you.  Strength!  Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors.  Give it everything you have, hear and soul.  . . . Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get where you're going.  And don't for a minute let this Book of the Revelation be out of mind.  Ponder and meditate on it day and night . . ..  Haven't I commanded you?  Strength!  Courage!  Don't be timid; don't get discouraged.  God, your God is with you every step you take."  -  Joshua 1:5-9 (Message)

What part of life isn't really about change?  That means we have to take the message above seriously - be courageous in the face of change.  Have courage to embrace the change and adapt our ways, realizing that our God is walking alongside us.  As we move into new lands, new phases of life, we can rely on God's faithfulness that he will deliver us into the land that he has promised us.

Today, recognize the change around you.  Take it on as a step of faith.  Know that no stress is too great for God to help us through.  

The OKC Thunder stand on a brink of sports greatness.  Imagine how foolish they would look if they stepped back, afraid to move into that next level.  What would we think of ourselves if we flinched at the time of our greatest opportunity to transform our own life?