As I now wander around the acreage, I enjoy seeing bees buzzing amid daffodils and some ground cover blooms. As each new season approaches, our hearts leap of fresh beginnings.

We can’t wait to see spring flowers, we can’t wait for summer outings, we can’t wait for evidence of cooling fall winds and brightly turning leaves after the heat, and then we look forward to planning the holiday gatherings as we warm ourselves by the fireplace. Some changes are welcome while others are not so welcome—in which we don’t have to feel helpless and hopeless.

Everything we have from our health, to our relationships, to our homes and provisions, is a gift from God. And we are thankful that He never changes. He doesn’t promise us a smooth ride in life but does promise us He’ll be with us through it all, if we believe in Him.

Our family experienced changes in much of our first years. We moved, and we 5 kids had to change schools several times. As we grew up, we lost loved ones, welcomed new arrivals, attended weddings, funerals, and family reunions. Some moved away and started families of their own. We experienced traveling to new places and making new friends. Nothing stands still, good times nor sad times. Such is life.

I don’t always love change, but I believe God is always working for my good. I have to remind myself that He is still in control of this world.

When I suffered almost unbearably for some time through medical surgical errors some years ago, I questioned God’s existence for the first time. It took me over 20 years to not break down in tears when I’d share some of the autotrophies that happened. Under 5 or 6 different kinds of doctors, I finally pulled through, but it took about 3 years for the very countenance of my face to return normal. This unexpected change in my life was not welcome, to say the least.

When I questioned why I experienced such, my daughter Scarlette McCoy helped me believe again. God can help us come through ALL things—even the worst. Since then I have helped others in the most challenging times. I could and still can say, “I know how you feel. And, here’s Who brought me through it.” (One day I will write about that experience when it’s time, when there’s a reason, and when I dare to wade through a huge stack of medical records.)

Does God need a reminder that He has everything in control? No, He doesn’t, but I do. We all do. This helps us be brave enough to keep going and make the best of it. I believe we are all unique, special, and have a definite reason to be here on this earth. And that reason is to make it a better place for everyone.

My personal belief is that this earth is a testing ground for the next life. There are good and evil forces busy on this planet trying to influence us. We are created to freely choose which we want to follow. One leads to eternal life. The other (usually thrilling and exciting), leads to eternal death. And we are not helpless or hopeless. God is here for us to be “winners!”

So, change will come. Nothing stays the same. When everything is going along just fine, praise God, but don’t be surprised when unexpected challenges comes along. They can come from any direction. To prepare for it, put on “the Armor of God.” If you don’t have a church, a Christian friend to ask, or access to Christian TV, or have a Christian Bible, Google “the Armor of God” and be open to gain strength, peace, and a beautiful understanding of our God.