Devotionals for the Heart: Everything can and will change but God ...

Does anything stay the same?
A devotional by Patricia Russell

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

–Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

All around us things are changing faster than we can blink. You know this because the rules on what you can and cannot do keep changing in this era of pandemic.

We have had to stay alert, listen and learn a lot about what it is to make changes with very little time and very little notice. I know that for most of us it has been frustrating and we have truly had to rely on the strength of the Lord to bring us through. So how are you doing? Are you still enjoying little makeup as you don your mask and walk into public arenas? Am I the only one who misses walking in a mall versus curbside pickup? It’s been a lot of change, I know.

Back in the day when I used to play basketball, the word “pivot” was part of our language in the game. There was a drill we did where you stood with one foot anchored, holding the ball and shifting quickly on a different angle in an effort to either make your shot for the basket or toss the ball to a nearby team member. It was an exercise that you had to become proficient in because you would definitely use it at some point in the game.

You were doing several things at one time and you had to be quick! If you had a clear shot of the basket, you had to pivot and make the shot. The other option was to quickly hand off the ball before another player intercepted your pass. You had to stay alert to the game, to shift and adjust your game plan as needed. Sometimes it could become frustrating because of the constant changes you would be forced to make. However, that is the nature of playing basketball.

If there is one thing that we can be assured of it’s the fact that God remains the same. He doesn’t shift or pivot, nor is he surprised by anything. God is the same as He was from the beginning of time. He will not change. How comforting is that to you and I? How much does that bring us reassurance in the midst of turmoil?

Weather changes, gas price changes, people’s loyalties and your weekly grocery bill … everything can and will change. My husband remarked at the number of dandelions that have popped up this year. They have doubled between the time he mowed the lawn from one day to the next. Now I can’t say that I have stopped to count them but I’ll take his word for it. The neighbors agree with him. Like I said, everything changes!

If you have ever read the Bible from cover to cover, you notice God’s constant reassurance of His love for us and his commitment to us. Let’s look at an example of this beautiful truth in Isaiah 49:15-16 (NKJV):

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,

And not have compassion on the son of her womb?

Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;

Your walls are continually before Me."

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

The Great I Am, always will be. He has made a commitment to us and made it clear that it is possible for a mother to forget her child (I know that sounds impossible). But God says that we are so important and so dear to Him that we are permanently printed on the palms of His hands.

I don’t know about you, but for me the love of our Heavenly Father is a deep commitment that is comparable to none. There is no human being, no mother or father whose love for us is comparable to His. Does this give you confidence? Does this give you hope? In the midst of a changing world we can rest assured that we serve an unchangeable God who loves us with a never ending, never changing, unconditional love.

Let’s Pray: Father God, I am so grateful for your love for me. Thank you for reminding us that while everything around us is changing, you remain the same. I stand in that confidence today, regardless of what I face tomorrow. Thank you for your faithfulness to us. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter. 

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com