by Samantha Zhang

I’ve been noticing that almost every conversation I have with a collegian includes discussing the many unknowns of their future: career choices, relationships, marriage, relocating and much more. These conversations make me nostalgic and bring me back to my college years when thinking about my future seemed so daunting and figuring out God’s will for my life seemed so confusing.

When I was a senior in college, one of my good friends shared a quote with me that has stuck with me through the years: “There are two constants in life: change and God.” My life has definitely been a testament to the truth of this quote. When I was a new graduate, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the many uncertainties that I was confronted with upon entering “the real world.” My friends moved all over and even out of the country, and I didn’t know whether to stay in San Diego or move back home; I had no idea if I should continue pursuing physical therapy or not; my church had gone through a split, and I had just begun dating. Fast forward four years later, and here I am–a wife to Matt, a mother to Rylan and a homemaker. I have definitely experienced a lot of change, but through it all, God has been my one constant. His word, His promises and His faithful character have been the unwavering stronghold in my life. As someone who has struggled a lot with change, I encourage you to consider the following points the next time you encounter uncertainty in your life:

1. Let God be your stability. Isaiah 33:6 says “He will be the stability of your times.” What gives your life stability? Is it a relationship? Financial stability? Securing a specific career? One way I assess whether I am finding my hope in my circumstances instead of Christ is by asking myself whether I would be okay if God’s plans for my life are not the same as my plans. “The heart of a man plans his ways, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). If I find myself in despair or distraught by change in my life, it is usually because I am not finding my stability in Him alone. Make Christ your sure foundation and the stability of your times and you will find that no matter what circumstantial changes take place in your life, you will have the peace that surprasses all comprehension that only God can give.
2. Focus on obeying God’s revealed will instead of obsessing over his unrevealed will. Be careful not to become overly preoccupied with trying to discern God’s will for your future. Undoubtedly, it is important to pray, search God’s word and seek counsel when making important decisions that affect your future. But I challenge you to be even more diligent in being sure that you are living out God’s revealed will (what we know from His word) for your life. It may not be God’s will for you to know all of the plans He has for your life, but you do know it is His will for you to love Him with your whole being (Matthew 22:37), to rejoice always and pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17), to outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10), etc. Focus on obeying what you do know about His will.
3. Remember your life is but a vapor. James 4:14 says “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” Psalm 103:15-16 emphasizes the same point: “As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.” Let these verses humble you. Consider your life and all your future plans in light of eternity. Our lives are a mere snippet within God’s glorious eternal plan and we should be in awe that He would allow us to take part in it. We must remember that we exist to glorify God. Our lives are not about ourselves! Contrary to what our selfie-obsessed culture teaches us, our lives are not to be wasted by trying to build a name for ourselves on earth. We are to be living sacrifices, making much of Him and being obedient to His will for our lives and whatever He may be calling us to.

Change, as scary as it can be, is an inescapable part of life. In Matthew 8, Jesus led His disciples into a storm. And just as Jesus was with the disciples in the storm, you can be assured that wherever He leads you in your life, He will be with you. If the unchanging Christ is your stability, you will not be dismayed when you encounter change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What an immense comfort this should be for our souls! We have a God whose character is consistent and unwavering! May we continue to press on in the good race, keeping our eyes fixed on our changeless Christ.