Life Changes or Redirection?

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Today is September 1, and I’m ready for the 3-digit temps in Houston to drop for cooler days. That’s a redirection, and I support it 100 percent!

But some changes threaten our mental, physical, and/or spiritual lives. We’re afraid and angry, especially when we are helpless to stop the inevitable. How do we approach challenges with an attitude of redirection?

Life Changes or Redirection?

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What can we do to meet life’s challenges?

Prayer changes everything. The saying may be a cliché, but it’s true. What is also true is that prayer changes us to face the glitches in our lives. Devastating news may still be inconceivable, but God walks with us through the fire of adversity, strengthening our walk with Him, and redirecting our thoughts and actions.

Age can be a barrier. The walls erected to keep us from our dreams, goals, and purpose sometimes require an analysis of our current situation. That barrier can be feeling too young or too old. Is the statement true or false? Why? Is it merely protocol or is the outcome a redirection and not impossible? Too young to fulfill a deep desire? Find out what is needed and move ahead. Too old? Explore the reasons and move ahead.

An unplanned move or change in lifestyle has the potential to open doors for new relationships. Is this a redirection to begin fresh with excitement and purpose? Does God want you to use your energy as a light to others? Leaving behind friends and family is tough, but making new friends is an adventure.

An unexpected doctor’s diagnosis can shake us. I won’t deny health issues can send us into a puddle of despair. But there’s no reason to drown there. Face the redirection with prayerful optimism and understand who is in control. How we react to those around us reveals who we really are, the inner self. What do we want the world to see and remember?

Forced retirement can feel like a slap in the face. But the idea of no longer working in our current occupation could be an opportunity in disguise. Take time to prayerfully consider what God wants. What dream has nudged us? What do we need to fulfill our passion? Has lack of courage or self-confidence held us back in the past?

Unforeseen acts of nature are not the end. I have yet to find the one place on earth where we can live safely without threat of nature’s fury. Whether it’s hurricanes, snow and ice, tornadoes, electrical storms, or rising flood waters, we prepare the best we can. We help others, and we live with hope.

Life changes can bless us, or they can destroy what we value. But we have the choice of raising our chins, redirecting our attitudes, and praying through the worst of circumstances for strength-building solutions. What will you choose?

Leave a Reply

  1. Thanks DiAnn
    This was encouragement I needed. A word in season:how fitting. I will let changes change me in positive ways.

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  2. I have some health concerns with my back and legs. I am not able to move as freely as I used to do. I constantly pray to Jesus and I know that He is with me wherever I go.

    We finished studying Joshua, Judges and Ruth in our Sunday School classes. I was very blessed.

    Now we are in the book of Romans! That will be an excellent study!

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  3. Thank you for your post, DiAnn. My Dad was laid off 2 times in his life and it was tough. But though it was not intended as a plus, it may have extended his life. He didn’t have to deal with the daily stress of wearing many hats at work. And he didn’t have to fight traffic anymore.
    For myself, I thought a promotion would be very good. However, I needed to take a step back and no longer be a supervisor. In hindsight, this is the best result.

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  5. “But there’s no reason to drown there.” So true and a wake-up message to climb out of the muck.

    Thank you, DiAnn, for your faithfulness each week to share hope and encourage us.

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  6. Too old, too much in pain; I had all kinds of excuses for things until I had the opportunity to care for my mom during the last six years of her life. Me, with a chronic illness, after she had a stroke that left her in a recliner for four years. So, instead of being too old to realize my dream of being a writer, and living for the last 34 years with a chronic illness, I found the strength through God to write my first book, a memoir-in-essays about those precious six years. This post really resonated with me today. Thank you.

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  8. I first had news that my right leg had to be amputated due to infection in my knee. After a second culture was done, it showed NO GROWTH!!!! But God!
    I had many prayers being lifted up. A miracle for sure. I’m confined to a wheelchair from now on but I get to keep my leg!

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  9. It’s certainly a lesson in faith and hope! Lately, I’ve been hearing/seeing a lot about patience and waiting, but waiting is an action verb. Lots can be done , not to hurry God up, but rather to give Him something to work with!

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  10. This is a great piece of writing and comes at just the right time. It’s hard to always look at challenges as potential opportunities — because let’s face it: we all probably could use a few less *opportunities* these days. I know you’re with me there! But I love how you’ve reframed situations here. Thanks DiAnn.

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Hello, I’m DiAnn Mills

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