The Pain of Change

 The tried but true saying change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change seems to be the theme for this season in our little fellowship.

Our insecurities, fears and selfishness is being challenged by our loving Father at every turn. We are being provided an opportunity of love to trust Him in all things so we can grow and mature and be prepared for what is ahead of us.  

I have the privilege of watching my grandchildren grow and one thing they all have in common is they do not like change and they can be quite selfish.  They are, after all, little children.  They have to be encouraged, trained and disciplined by their parents so they can mature and reflect the nature of their heavenly Father. 

 

How often did Yeshua use the analogy of sheep and lambs to teach on the nature of our relationship to Himself.  He is our Chief Shepherd and we are the sheep of His pasture.   Without Him, without the shepherds He has in place to guide, protect and exort, we are vulnerable and subject to our own desires, prey for the enemy of our souls.

 

 There's nothing quite like watching the fresh lambs (we have 6 now) hassling their mums and the alpacas hovering close by to restore the soul and reflect on all that the Ruach has been revealing lately.

 

A few weeks ago we had a prickly visitor who got a little lost in the shed.  Sonya, Bonnie and myself made sure the echidna was able to make his, or her, way out of the shed but it was a lovely distraction from the work of getting the garden shed in order.

Today I reflected on the difference between the two.  The sheep are not native to this land, they prefer to be in flocks and need a shepherd to ensure they are safe and have all their needs met.  The echidna is native to the land, is solitary and nocturnal by nature.  He has a brilliant spiny defense posture of digging himself into the dirt and staying put.  We found it fascinating to watch that defense posture in action!

 

So today I had the opportunity to choose to be a sheep in YHVH's pasture and allow myself to be led and nurtured, even though that means getting accustomed to change and putting my fears and selfishness aside to allow His nature to be reflected in me, or to be like the echidna; solitary and defensive, resisting any attempt to be moved.

We are sojourners here in this age, which by definition means we are here temporarily, subject to change and with our eyes fixed on a time to come.  Because He loves us, He is maturing and readying us for whatever the next season brings.

Hebron is a beautiful place to meditate on the wonder and profound wisdom that is found in YHVH.  When we yield to the promptings of the Ruach, however that comes our way (even a 2x4!), the abundant blessings that are poured out in our lives and relationships is beyond compare.  Boulders of fears, insecurities and selfish ways that dam up His river of living water that are repented of, allows His river of living water to flow again and we are filled to overflowing.

What a mystery!  What wisdom!  What amazing love!