In person or virtual? 6 feet or 3 feet? Touch or no touch? Mask or no mask? Gloves or no gloves? Change, change, change. In education we often look at change as positive (i.e., an opportunity to grow, develop, and make things better). I find most educators aren’t opposed to change as long as they see a benefit to students.
However, when change dictates that we teach in a way contrary to what we know is best for children, it knocks us a bit off kilter. This may sound negative, but it doesn’t have to be. Educators are one of the most creative and persistent group of people I know; they always find a way. Flat out determination and a love for children characterizes educators as they navigate an uncertain future.
While the change we are currently facing is an unwelcomed guest, it came anyway. How do we navigate it and keep our sanity? There is so much advice floating around right now that it can leave us feeling rattled and restless. In these kinds of situations, I find comfort shifting my focus from what is changing to what never changes. Knowing some things are certain grounds me during times of disorder and uncertainty. I’m actually quite relieved some things never change.
God does NOT change.
“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
The God who created the universe is the same God today as in the beginning. His power, His might, His creativity, His protection—none of it has faded. He is still here! Jesus, who gave himself for us over 2000 years ago, has not left but remains ever-present, ever-faithful. I never have to wonder. I can know with absolute certainty that God has not and will not change! I can tether myself to Him, knowing He is secure.
God’s Word does NOT change.
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35
How would things be different if every Christian embraced the Word of God as if their life depended on it? Abundant life does depend on it! Unfortunately, according to Barna Research, only 19% of Christians interact with the Bible enough that it transforms their relationship with God and others1. The Bible is truly God’s love letter to us. It is our unchanging guidebook. God doesn’t want us to live lives of confusion. Every answer to every question can be found in God’s Word when we read it and seek understanding through the Holy Spirit. We simply can’t know what to do and how to address our current circumstances without it. We will never be fully equipped to do all God has planned for us apart from His Word.
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Our hope does NOT change.
God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:17-18
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
As Christians, our hope is based on the unchanging, perfect nature of God. He is consistent. He is true. He is trustworthy. He is good. When literally nothing in our world is reliable 100% of the time, God is. Everything in this world will change—our circumstances, our jobs, our desires, our relationships, and even our physical bodies. However, as Christians we can always have hope.
“This too shall pass.” I typically don’t like this phrase, but it is something I find myself quietly whispering when the craziness around me kicks in. We will get through this. When we do, let’s end up stronger—not because we figured it all out but because we held onto the one thing that never changes.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Revelation 22:13