August 30, 2021

Growing Through Change

In Ecclesiastes 3:1, there is a passage that most have heard at one time or another. “For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” The fact is we will face good times and bad, easy times and hard. Yet, in some way, these circumstances all precede or follow changes in our life. Learning to navigate change in our world will, in many cases, determine our success or failure. It typically happens when we least expect it, which means it is difficult at best to prepare for it. Accepting change as a regular part of one’s existence is not an easy thing for most people. However, becoming adaptable and open to finding new opportunities which can arise during change will open doors we never knew existed.

No matter our age, how well a person navigates change is directly related to one’s adaptability. Being adaptable is also described as a personality trait that helps define how a person will respond to change. Adaptability as a Christian means not feeling hopeless and helpless in the face of change. We know that ultimately God is always in control. The Apostle Paul faced continual changes throughout his life. He declared 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).

When we think about navigating change, it would seem there is a destination implied, and we are moving through something. Many people will say, “I just need to get through this chapter of my life, and then I pray everything will be ok.” What do we mean when we pray that everything will be ok? Most often, everything will return to as it was, back to normal, or the same as before the event occurred. However, is that what we should expect or want? John Maxwell said, “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” There is no denying that we all will face change innumerable times in our lives, but what happens on the other side is the question. Have we learned? Have we become better people? Have we moved closer to God, to the people we love? How have we changed because of what we have faced?

Change can certainly be difficult as it forces us to grow, like wind pounding a tree makes it sink its roots deeper. The deeper the roots, the stronger the tree. Remember that Paul said, “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” What part of “all things” don’t we understand? Paul is saying, no matter what the circumstances are, God is working. Even when it makes no sense to us, God is working on us. Is it easier to navigate change as we get older? The answer is not a simple yes or no. When a person is young, they may lack the maturity and life experience needed to make proper decisions when significant change is required. However, the advantage youth brings to facing change is the ability to be adaptable as they move through a world that is shifting daily. Because they are less set in their ways, they tend to find it easier to accept change as a normal part of life. The older we get, the more set in our ways we become, making change more complicated, more uncomfortable. Yet with age comes the tenacity and grit to press on through the storms we face.

Think back over the last year; it was all about change, all about adaptability. There are aspects of our lives that will never be the same, but we have found out that we can face changes we could never have imagined. We are more robust, our churches are still standing, and God’s work is moving forward.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12

Recent Posts

Hurricane Idalia Relief Efforts

Hurricane Idalia Relief Efforts

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm early Wednesday morning, August 30, 2023. It was reported to be the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend region in more than 125 years. We are saddened to hear reports of flooding in many...

Altamonte Springs Commissioner Visits Adventist Food Drive

Altamonte Springs Commissioner Visits Adventist Food Drive

Helping hands: (Right to left) Volunteer Michael Dada, Commissioner Bob O’Malley, community service leader Sonya Pusey, and Pastor Dion Henry at Altamonte Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church food drive. Photo: Carlos Medley When one offers a cup of water to a thirsty...

Follow Us

About Us


Shop online at AdventistBookCenter.com

A Better Choice
Books • Deli • Natural Foods

351 S. State Road 434

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714-3824

Phone: (407) 644-4255?•?Fax: (407) 618-0274

View a virtual tour of this store

Store Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Deli Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Camp Kulaqua General Store (ABC Branch)
23400 NW 212 Ave.
High Springs, FL 32643
Phone: (386) 454-7956?•?Fax: (386) 454-7976

Hours*:
Sunday: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am -7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday: Closed

*open for special events as needed

Express Delivery Schedule
Avoid shipping costs by placing an ABC order to be delivered to a location as scheduled below. Orders must be made by phone or e-mail before 5:30 p.m. on the Thursday before a scheduled Sunday delivery: (407) 644-4255  or FloridaABC@floridaconference.com

This will close in 0 seconds

About Us


The Adventurer Club is a Seventh-day Adventist Church-sponsored ministry open to all families of children in grades 1-4. Our mission is to support parents and caregivers in leading and encouraging their children in a growing, joyful love relationship with Jesus Christ.
The first few years of a child’s life sets the stage for their future.  For parents/families of pre-K through fourth grade children, our Adventurer Clubs provide a safe place to encourage the development of the necessary social and interpersonal skills they need, in an environment that promotes Christian values and responsibilities.
Families will learn a variety of topics together, from character building, nature, hobbies, safety, and much more. This club also has parenting tips and resources through the family network and is designed to help you be the best parent/caregiver you can be as you partner with your child and other families to grow your kids to be the best they can be. Most clubs meet twice a month.

This will close in 0 seconds