Abide Christian Meditation - Navigating Unexpected Change

0:00I'm Christi Graham, host of On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse, and I recently interviewed one of our pilots whose plane was hijacked in Africa. I encouraged myself with that reality. That at some point, this is going to end in two hours. It'll end good if I'm on the ground somewhere walking around with the testimony. It'll end great if he pulls the trigger for me. It will end great. That day, Jim, experienced the power of prayer and witnessed just how mighty the name of Jesus is. If you want to hear this full story, tune in at Samaritan's Purse.org slash listen. Welcome to Abide's daily Christian Meditations. I'm Tyler Boss. Today's meditation is brought to you by our partners at LifeAudio. If you go to LifeAudio.com, you will find dozens of other faith-centered podcasts in their network. They've got shows about prayer, Bible study, parenting, and more. Head over to LifeAudio.com now. And remember, you can have full access to our Meditations commercial-free, just text Abide to 22433 for 25% off.

1:00Now, receive his peace as we meditate and abide in Christ. Welcome to this Abide meditation. I'm Tyler Boss. How do you react when change hits you? No one likes dealing with sudden change. At any given moment, you could be just a phone call away or a slam of the brakes from a jarring, life-altering situation. Maybe you're dealing with the uncertainty and the growing pains that come with adjusting to a new situation. If not now, you've been through it in the past. Why do we worry so much about change? For the Israelites of Joshua's day, unexpected change came when they finally settled in the Promised Land. For decades in the wilderness, they had relied on mana from God.

2:04But one day, the mana stopped coming. The mana stopped the day after they ate this food from the land. There was no longer mana for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan. Take a deep breath. Settle your body into a comfortable position. Make sure you are in a quiet, relaxing place. And calm your mind to focus on the presence of God. Breathe slowly, deeply, taking the fresh air into your lungs. Nothing is a surprise or a shock to God.

3:09Everything happens according to his perfect plan. So when you are caught off guard by unexpected changes, know that you can lean on God to navigate it with strength and wisdom. Have peace. God will provide. Let's pray. Lord Jesus, I know nothing can surprise you. And that's good news. Life throws unexpected changes at me, no matter how well I plan. And it scares me. But I know that nothing happens outside of your plans. Thank you for seeing me through the changes that surprise me. And helping me adjust to new things. You know what I need in each season of life.

4:11Please help me to trust that your plan is perfect and that you will always take care of me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. Take a moment to gently stretch any joints or muscles that feel run down. Aiki, tight or tired. Take another deep breath. Allow yourself to slow down and relax in the peaceful presence of God. As the Holy Spirit prompts, talk to Him about anything that might be hindering your relationship. Think of any sins that you have not confessed and tell God about them.

5:14Let Him make you clean. When you face changes in life, you have to find new ways to adapt. God stopped the manna but provided His people with fertile land in a new way to feed themselves. Do you trust Him to provide for you? Let's pray. Ah, dear Heavenly Father, I know that you love me and have a wonderful plan for my life. So many things are out of my control but nothing is out of your control. Please help me to surrender control of my life to you.

6:15Now help me to trust you and have peace over my situation. Even though I don't know how it will turn out, I will fix my eyes on you and your perfect plan. And Jesus, precious Holy Name, I pray. Amen. Think a few more moments in prayer. Asking for God's guidance and peace as you navigate unexpected change, He is with you in the fire. Until next time, may you abide in Christ.