When Everything Changes

How quickly can life change? One phone call. One test result. One moment.

I don’t know about you, but witnessing these deaths this week has done something deep in me … change can happen in a moment.

That’s exactly what happened to Charlie Kirk - and Israel in Isaiah’s day.

Life was good, and they thought it would always be good. They built alliances, stacked up wealth, planted vineyards, and carved idols to give themselves a false sense of security. All the while, they abandoned God. He called them back again and again, but they refused to listen.

Then one day everything crumbled. Their wealth failed, their walls fell, and their crops dried up. Only then did their eyes finally turn upward.

“At that time people will look to God, their Maker; their eyes will see the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 17:7 NCV).

I know from my own life (and others lately) how quickly things can change. It’s so much more impactful when it’s visible.

It’s just oO\ne call from the doctor about routine bloodwork and suddenly it’s leukemia. Fifteen years ago, I went in for a routine physical and walked out with a prostate cancer diagnosis.

One day you’re fine, and the next you’re staring death in the face. The truth is, we are all just one call or one incident away from disaster.

So what should we do? I say go to God daily. Thank Him. Live in the present. Take in what is right now.

I remember asking my friend Derek, who battled ALS, how he reconciled living with the possibility no earthly future. His words were simple but wise:

“Live in the present.” That’s the best advice I’ve ever heard.

Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NCV).

Today is what we have. We should walk with God today and frankly every day. We should stay with God today. He is the one who is life. He is love. He is our future.

The truth is, God has our best interest in mind.

He controls everything. Yet how often do we abandon Him? We chase security in people, in money, in health, but it all fails. Only God remains. Only God saves.

The psalmist reminds us, “God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NCV).

And if things have already gone sideways in your life, what should you do? I say seek God. I know that sounds religious, but it’s the truth. More people, more stuff, more entertainment won’t fill the hole or fix the problem. God will. I promise, He will.

So before your head hits your pillow tonight, think about taking a pause and thank God for today.

Don’t wait for disaster to wake you up to His presence. Take in the present moment with Him. Live in gratitude. Live in trust. Keep your eyes on the Holy One of Israel - today - every day.

GOD, heal us. We all feel the void, the uncertainty - we need you. IJNIP amen ♥️