Adapting to the Plan of God

by Norma Jackson Goldman

Having just come through a major move, I’ve had a multitude of opportunities to evaluate just how well I adapt to new circumstances and situations. The jury is still out, but my track record thus far is unimpressive.

On a practical level, adapting to changes in daily routine has been enormous. Where to have my quiet time…what chair, what room, and where will I find the fewest distractions? The kitchen is much different, making things hard to find, and performing the smallest task takes a lot more time. Where did I put the napkins, the baking powder, and my favorite paring knife?

My son-in-law has been gracious to help with repairs, installation of appliances, moving furniture each time I change my mind about just the right location. I’ve resolved to prepare his favorite foods to reward his work. My first effort was a fresh coconut pie, but where was the rolling pin? After searching every cabinet and drawer, in exasperation I covered a tall, slender can of cleaning liquid with foil, and finished the piecrust wonderfully with my makeshift rolling pin!

Other aspects of adaptability have proven even more daunting. There is a vast difference in the worship style of the new church I’m attending and my former church. Preparing one’s heart to hear the Word is essential even if the music is new, the words unfamiliar, and the warmth that comes from accustomed surroundings is missing. Having taught Sunday School for decades, it seems strange to sit and simply listen. After services I experience a vague sense of being a bystander, rather than an integral part of the life of this wonderful new church. Where is my place? What is my role? What is God calling me to do? These questions can only be answered through obedience, prayer, and faithfulness to accomplish what is set before me.

Just this week, Scripture has taken me into the life of Abraham—called away from everything familiar to a new country, a new lifestyle, away from family and friends. His calling was simply to go and trust God for His will to be revealed at each juncture of the journey. In each new circumstance, Abram’s faith and trust in God grew, and God “accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). This profound truth is repeated in Romans 4:3, “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Abraham’s testimony is this: God called him to a new place; he responded in obedience. He continued to practice spiritual disciplines, offered sacrifices, and established altars in each new place he lived. He tithed to Melchizedek after God helped him recover his nephew Lot and his belongings. He taught his children obedience to God, even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his promised son Isaac. He lived a godly life, treating others with kindness and respect.

Abraham was not perfect, as Scripture clearly attests, but He believed God, obeyed God, and followed His direction. I suspect I was not drawn to this passage by accident. In new circumstances and new situations, I can respond like Abraham. So can you.

Life thrusts many unexpected changes upon us. We move from good health to bad, comfortable finances to strained resources, or highly productive environments to a constant struggle. But in each circumstance we have the choice and opportunity to be obedient, to trust God, and to live out each day in way that gives clear testimony to our faith in Him.

About the Writer: Former magazine editor Norma J. Goldman enjoys a successful freelance career in her retirement. The award-winning writer lives near Houston, Texas. Learn more about retirement options at www.boardofretirement.com.