From the Principal

Connected in a Time of Change

Over the years I have been asked to bring about lots of different changes in the organisations I have worked in and led in - some were positive and exciting changes, and some were very hard, personal and relational. Part of my appointment here was to bring about changes at LCS - change that I see through the lens of the 'R' words I shared earlier in the year: refresh, renew, rethink, redo, revitalise, revision. 

It goes without saying that for most of us fear and change go hand in hand. Change is everywhere all around us and often change brings inevitable events, which we may not want to encounter. Just as you get used to one way of life or work, everything changes again. Often there is change you can not control like illness or sickness, but you can always control your response on how you view change. 

There are three truths from our relationship with Christ that can help us all embrace change and hopefully realise that change is not something we have to fear:

1. Change is a sign of growth 
   Without change, there would be unfertilized soil - both figuratively and literally. Ecclesiastes 3 declares there is a time for everything, and in time, God makes everything beautiful, and this includes change. For example, few people would have ever looked at Saul and thought that one day he would change, that he would preach the faith he sought to destroy. In the years after becoming Paul, Saul saw how God worked through so much of his past to prepare him for his future ministry. 
    
2. Change is an opportunity for new experiences
   On the other side of any change is the opportunity for something new and exciting. But it can be overwhelming to leave what is familiar and embrace the unknown. Isaiah 43:18-29 tells us not to dwell on the past. God is doing a new thing in each of us every day. With each new experience, we can learn from the past and grow into our full potential.
    
3. Change draws us closer to Jesus
   As I look back on my life - the big change moments - coincided with teh best prayer life I have ever had. During times of uncertainty, we look to Jesus and lean on Him more than ever. How many times have you found yourself in a changing situation and your first instinct is to pray? Remember you are not alone. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says that while we are hard pressed we are not alone. God is within us and is at work inside of us, even during the most trying seasons of life.

Stuart Kent