RELIGION: Pastor Mark Voll

Just one of the many things I love about Bella Vista is the change of seasons. Having lived most of my life in the upper Midwest, I am accustomed to the seasons, but "up north" spring, summer and fall are far too short, and winter seems to take up more than its share of the calendar. But around here, the seasons are more evenly divided over the 12 months of the year. I like that!

Perhaps one of the reasons I enjoy the changing seasons is the perspective I have about change that comes from my experience and knowledge of God. Change, transformation, regeneration are all words that describe what God does in the lives of people who entrust their yesterdays, todays and tomorrows to His truth and grace.

I needed change in my life, didn't want to admit it and certainly didn't want to work on it. Then I was introduced to the One who knew what needed to change in me, wanted to work that change in me and had everything I needed for that change to be the greatest blessing I'd ever know! In Christ Jesus, I am changed; redeemed, restored and repurposed! Any change He brings now, I welcome!

Do you have a story of how God has changed -- and is changing -- you? I'd love to hear it! At the church I serve as senior pastor, we frequently take time to share our experiences of change.

I know so many people whose broken, hurting lives were healed and restored by placing their complete faith and trust in God. I know people whose plans were totally upset by unforeseen changes and tragedies in their lives, only to find through trusting faith in God that He had an even better plan.

I thought, at one time in my life, that I would be a high school choral director and I received my undergraduate degree in that discipline. But God had other plans for me. He transformed my heart and repurposed my life! Change, when orchestrated by God, is ultimately a beautiful thing.

Welcome the changing seasons! Each season reminds us of God's transforming truth and grace. Each season has a beauty all its own. Come to think of it, the same Creator God who made the seasons, made you, too!

I am no longer who I was, and I am not yet who I will be, but praise God, He's still working on me! I've learned to trust all that He wants to change in me, and I pray you will, too.

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Mark Voll is a pastor of the Village Bible Evangelical Free Church. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Religion on 10/30/2019