The full text of this tract is shown below in the ESV version. (Do you want to print this tract in a different version than the one listed? Contact us and let us know what you're looking for—we may be able to create the alternate version for you at no charge.)

If we are going to be honest, no one loves change. We change because we are forced to. Even when we know a situation is bad for us, we still have a hard time changing our circumstances on our own. Our problems often rip everything from us until we are left alone with the problem. Relationships are severed. Depression swallows us. The economy plummets and our financial security is gone. Life is all about change and we hate it.

What’s the purpose of change? Surprisingly enough, change happens to make us stronger, to make us better, and most importantly to teach us to lean on God. God is the singular stable force in this world (Malachi 3:6).

Are there some changes going on in your life? One can only imagine the claustrophobic environment of the caterpillar’s cocoon. Sometimes life’s surroundings seem to be closing in on us. And the time spent wrapped up in difficult or confusing circumstances seem to last so long. However, just as the caterpillar must take the time to develop into a butterfly, we must also allow the metamorphosis of life and learning to help us develop character. We also develop strength just as the caterpillar does when breaking out of his cocoon.

What are we attached to while our lives are in transition? If the caterpillar attaches his cocoon to a leaf or anything mobile, he is tossed about and sometimes he is never able to complete his transition. Like the caterpillar, we must choose something stable to hold on to as life changes. God does not fail us even though our families often do (Isaiah 49:15).

Do you trust God? God gave His life so that we could live. We are so important to Him. Any situation that we find ourselves in, no matter how difficult the situation, it is still in the hands of Jesus.

Dear God,

Help us to put our trust in you above everything else. Thank you for giving your life so we might live.

Amen

WHAT IF GOD WAS THE AUTHOR OF YOUR CHANGE?

Change is not only inevitable, but it is necessary in order refine our character:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Abraham is an example of someone having to endure change as God directed his life:
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inher- itance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

Even though change can be difficult, know that it is part of God’s plan:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares
the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

BE BLESSED!!

Back to top of page