Life is full of detours. As a child, I thrived on what I knew to be dependable, and resisted any change in plans. I still remember my mother's exasperated "You're so inflexible!" at my barrage of complaints after a plan fell through. Humans are hardwired to resist change, and we begin the difficult process of learning that change is a part of life as young children. Most of the changes we encounter are slight, and require simple attitude adjustments to overcome them. However, there are times when changes are earth-shattering and grief-inducing; causing pain, loss and a great deal of mental gymnastics just to comprehend our resulting new reality.
Yet, there is one who never changes. In Hebrews 13:8, we are reminded that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." God himself tells us in Malachi 3:6 "For I am the LORD, I change not..." God's character and promises remain steadfast from age to age. No matter what happens here on earth, in our lifetime, God will not change his love, his promises, or his righteous character. We know that God sees our trials and life's hard detours, and we are told to cast all our cares upon him "for he careth for you" (I Peter 4:7) Another verse brings great comfort to many - "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be thou not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)
When I created this art piece, with its map-like intersections, spinning compasses and skeleton keys, I was thinking not only about devastating detours, but new discoveries. Discoveries like the heighth and breadth of God's neverending faithfulness.... the way God can turn what was intended for evil into something good... and even how life can become beautiful again after so much sorrow and fear. At the end of his time here on earth, Jesus promised us "...lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."(Matthew 28:20) This is a promise that brings me comfort and encouragement.
all scripture taken from King James Bible 1611
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