Jesus Christ, changeless in a changing world

November 24, 2006

By Doug Graham

We live in a fast-paced world that is changing before our eyes. The advent of the personal computer offers some telling examples. New models of computers are often out of date within 120 days and discontinued within one year. In the early 1990s it took 7.5 days to manufacture a computer. Now it requires only a few hours. The Internet has linked computers worldwide to spawn thousands, millions and now billions of Web sites.

What advantage do believers have in dealing with the rapid change of our world?

We have a personal relationship with the God who created the world. Our personal relationship with Jesus Christ means we are never at the mercy of changes that threaten us. God is in control of each situation and of our lives. With Christ I can do all things (Philippians 4:13), which means I can handle anything that comes my way.

During my years of pastoral ministry, I have noticed how people seek stability when they go through significant change (i.e., death, divorce, etc.). When the rug is pulled out from under them, they look for something to hold on to.

You can live through any change if there is a changeless core inside of you. My prayer is you will discover the stability of a Christ-centered changeless core. In my Bible, Psalm 102 is introduced with the following words: “A prayer of an afflicted man when he is faint.”

When all seems to be unraveling, when all seems out of control, when all seems to be constantly changing and peace escapes my senses, the words of Psalm 102:25-27 bring the comfort and confidence I need.

“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end” (NIV).

Doug Graham is senior pastor of Evangel Assembly of God in Bismarck, N.D.