Changing Circumstances, Unchanging God

April 25, 2008

By William E. Richardson

“For I am the Lord, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6, NKJV).

Some things happen without warning.

You slip on a wet floor; you answer your ringing phone to hear someone crying on the other end; a car traveling toward you in the next lane careens across the yellow line.

Some abrupt events bring emotional pain; some arrive with physical pain. After the initial shock, you may wonder why God didn't prevent it, or at least prepare you for it.

Do you believe no matter what sudden changes invade your life, the unchanging God you serve still loves you? In our unexpected events, let's remember some unchanging truths about God.

The first changeless truth to keep in mind: Nothing surprises God.

It's one thing to agree God is all-knowing. But are you persuaded every second God is aware of all 6 billion-plus people on earth? If He were not fully aware, He would not be all-knowing.

A second changeless truth: God isn't punishing you.

Jesus addressed that misconception. He told a crowd the reason certain people had met an unpleasant death had nothing to do with their being more sinful (Luke 13:1-5). At another gathering He said the sun shines and the rain falls on both the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 5:45).

A third changeless truth about God: God's vision encompasses eternity.

We dwell so much on this present life we don't always connect its singular happenings with eternity. We wonder how our misfortunes can possibly "work together for good" to serve God's purposes (Romans 8:28). God alone sees how they do.

A final changeless truth about God when facing our sudden, unexpected moments: God can help at the speed of light.

Traveling home from a nearby town a few winters ago, I hit a patch of ice on a bridge. The car swerved. I tapped the brakes harder than I should have. The car spun around. I prayed aloud for God's protection. He let the car land in a snow bank out of reach of traffic.

If not for the solid pile of snow on the shoulder of the road, I would've rolled into a deep ditch. What's more, the very next day a family was killed after crossing that bridge.

Every sudden event in our lives is something God will get us through on our way to our spending forever with Him. Perhaps before this life is over you'll face one last sudden event, "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" (1 Corinthians 15:52).

God's changeless love that sent Jesus to die for us promised to also send Him back to gather us together in His presence. Seeing Jesus coming suddenly in the clouds will be our conclusive evidence God doesn't change.

— William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.