New is hard.

It may not seem like it in the heart of the day, but summer is winding its’ way to a close. Back to school rhythms are starting for many families and that means change. Not all of us love and appreciate change. A friend of mine summed it up rather simply in a text she sent me last night that read, “Praying for you tonight. New is hard.”

I feel that in the core of my being today as the reality of taking my son to college sets in. New is hard. My tear-stained cheeks today are evidence that reality is true. Another reality also exists, though. Change is an inevitable part of life. Every living thing is in the process of changing. It’s absolutely impossible to just stay the same. If we want to grow, we have to be willing to embrace change. We have to be willing to push into the new as hard as it might be.

You may not be experiencing the same kind of change that I am experiencing, but I know many of you are looking into a season of new that feels hard in its own way. Here’s something I truly believe about these seasons where change hurts: you don’t have to face it alone. We can share the hard with God. He longs to meet us in the midst of the changes going on in our lives and use it for our good and for his glory. God may not stop the change from happening, but he can use the hard seasons to transform us from the inside out as we lean into his presence, his purpose, and his power.

Not only can we share the hard with God, but we can also share the hard with other brothers and sisters in Christ and receive the help that comes when they share our burdens with us. I had a friend send my son and I each a prayer on moving day. Several friends sent me texts to share encouragement and support because I had reached out and let them know this new season was hard for me.

My friend was right. New is hard, but change is an inevitable part of life. Don’t go through it alone. Invite God in. Lean into his presence, his purpose, and his power. Cling to this promise from God found in the book of Isaiah- “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 NIV

Be vulnerable and brave enough to reach out and invite others into the hard with you. Share your burdens with sister who you can trust to support and encourage you. Walk out Galatians 6:2 as you “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

If you need someone to remind you that God is with you or to shoulder your burdens with you; please reach out. I’d love to pray with you and for you! New is hard and this is a season of new for many of us. Don’t face it alone.        

Verse to Meditate On:

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

“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.”

Prayer:

            God, change is an inevitable part of life but the new is often hard. Yet, we know you are with us. We know you’re working in the midst of everything we face. Help us to turn to you and to invite you into all that we’re thinking, feeling, and experiencing. Help us to be brave and vulnerable enough to invite in trusted sisters in Christ. Use the change to draw us closer to you and closer to one another. Transform us even in the middle of the hard. Amen.

Practice:

            Reach out to a friend this week and share a challenge that you are facing. Ask them to pray for you.

Worship:

            I Belong to Jesus by Bethel Music  https://youtu.be/hgRxjHLRfw0?si=zmHLHB0snBNtOw4V