When Change Hurts

Note from the Author:

Dear friend,

This says a lot to me, you being here. It says you are feeling what I sometimes feel — like there is more than this. Your “this” may look different from my “this,” but it’s true all the same.

I hope you will take this journal with you for the daily story you are writing about your life. These one hundred days are special to me, and I hope they will be to you as well. I’ve pulled together some of my favorite thoughts on courage and bravery and mixed them with lots of new ones that God and life and people have taught me over the last few years. And I think that together with whatever God is already doing in your life, this could be a really interesting journey for you.

The 100 Days to Brave Guided Journal can be used along with the 100 Days to Brave devotional or on its own. The journal will encourage you to take your thoughts deeper, helping you to uncover more of the why behind your journey toward courage. Mark it up, use it well, and at the end you’ll be 100 days braver, 100 days stronger, and 100 days closer to taking the next step into what God has for you.

I know I’m not really there beside you, but in my heart it feels like I am. Think of me as the friend who’s across the table from you at the local coffeehouse, just here to talk and process and think with you as you walk this road toward your most courageous self. I’m cheering for you.

Sincerely,

Annie F. Downs

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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28 NIV

I’ve gone through a lot of changes in my life. Geographical changes. Career changes. Relationship changes. And I’m someone who isn’t the biggest fan of change. It’s really just not my favorite… as you have probably gathered by now.

And, friend, they are still happening! Just when I think life is smooth sailing, here comes another change.

Listen. If you’ve learned nothing from this little section of the book, and if I’ve learned nothing from simply living through all the changes, let’s all hear this —

brave people are okay with change because they remember that change is for our good.

That doesn’t mean you have to love change or seek change or want change. That doesn’t mean that when something that seemed to be going awesome takes an unexpected turn, you have to throw a party. It means that if you’re brave, you can walk through change with grace and hope that God’s promises are true and all things really do work together for good.

Some changes are welcomed. They’re celebrated. They’re fun. Promotions! Pregnancies! Book deals! Engagements! New homes! Though even the good changes in life can be difficult or stressful.

But then there are those other changes. The bad ones. The ones that don’t seem to have any silver lining.

Often change hurts. Often change is painful. Devastating even.

Maybe you just lost your job and you’re bracing yourself for the conversation you’ll have with your spouse tonight. Maybe the results from your MRI came back, and normal, as you knew it, ends today. Just remember — a brave person’s joy isn’t dependent on circumstances. God has got this, whatever it is. Your family. Your career. Your relationships. He knows your pain. He cares about your pain. And He wants you to live bravely, in the strength and knowledge that He is working for your good and He is ultimately in control.

Excerpted with permission from 100 Days to Brave by Annie F. Downs, copyright Annie F. Downs.

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Your Turn

Change is inevitable. Sometimes great. Sometimes painful. What kind of change are you in the middle of right now? Even if you don’t feel brave in it, you can know that God is good and He is in charge! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you about being brave in changing times! ~ Devotionals Daily