Change. It is a constant in every life, but sometimes it blares louder, screams more incessantly, and will not be denied.

The end of an era. The last page in the chapter. Things will never be the same. For me, that means that the end of the elementary years has come for our youngest. This is my college-loving son’s last summer at home. And my eldest son is now married.

But every end is followed by a new beginning. And every last page is followed by the first page of another chapter, till our time on earth ends. Sometimes the hamster wheel turns so quickly that the mind can’t keep up with the heart, or maybe it’s the other way around. Change is inevitable, but my response to it is completely my own choice.

The constant that keeps my feet stable in the midst of changing circumstances, churning waters, and shifting sands is the anchor that holds me fast: I believe. I believe that God loves me and is FOR me and those I love. I believe that his promises are true. I believe that he goes before me to make the way. I believe, I believe, I believe.

Romans chapter four jumped out at me today like never before. It’s not because of anything I do that I am made righteous before God, it is because I believe that what God said is true. Period. If I truly believe, then I will live like I believe it. It is all about faith – believing although I can’t yet see.

I can’t see the answer to an insurmountable obstacle at my job, but I trust and believe that God will either move the mountain out of the way, or he will show me how to climb it. I can’t see how the money will stretch to meet the needs of those I care about, but I pray in faith, believing in the provision of a God who is more than enough. My mind cannot comprehend how God will restore what seems to have been irreparably damaged, but I continue to pray for miracles and healing. I don’t know how he will do it, but I choose to believe.

This is happening. Circumstances swirl about me, seemingly out of control sometimes. But I choose to believe that God is in charge, and that there is an order that I cannot yet see. And my mouth will speak out what my heart says is true. Like Abraham of old, I will declare that I am fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises (Romans 4:21).

“And I am certain that God, who began a good work within [me], will continue his work until it is finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6, NLT).