By RACHEL Larson

you think of anything in this world that doesn ’ t change ? I can ’ t . Everything is constantly changing , including people . I ’ ve had some friendships that I thought would be there forever . I imagined them at my wedding , playing with my future kids , or living down the street wherever I lived , but life has ways of pulling people apart . Sometimes , this happens through physical distance and sometimes through personality changes . Some relationships changed almost overnight , while others changed slowly and subtly .

I frequently compared God to people because my relationships with people have been inconsistent . I assumed that because people had let me down , God too , soon would . Or , because people weren ’ t always honest , God wouldn ’ t be either . I imagined Him frequently looking at me with disappointment . Surely , He was in Heaven just shaking His head at me because I messed up so much . These feelings eventually led me to believe that God didn ’ t want to look in my direction , which affected how I prayed and approached God .

The truth is God was never meant to be compared to us humans . His character is unchanging , unwavering , and unpersuaded . Numbers 23:19 ( NIV ) says : “ God is not human , that

he should lie , not a human being , that he should change his mind . Does he speak and then not act ? Does he promise and not fulfill ?” God has remained the same since before time began , and He was never meant to be compared to us . He doesn ’ t ever change His opinion of us . We are His beloved creation , made with purpose and care ( Ephesians 2:10 ). He loves us so much ; He was willing to give up His Son for us ( John 3:16 ).

God is fully aware that we will make mistakes , but instead of pulling away in our moments of failure and heartache , God draws closer . He offers to carry our burdens : “ Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened , and I will give you rest . Take my yoke upon you and learn from me , for I am gentle and humble in heart , and you will find rest for your souls . For my yoke is easy and my burden is light ” ( Matthew 11:28-30 , NIV ). He offers forgiveness when we fail but turn back to Him ( 1 John 1:9 ). Though we are CONSTANTLY changing from day to day , God looks at us with the same loving gaze . Since the beginning of time , He has desired to be in a relationship with us . He doesn ’ t wait till we have it all together ; He doesn ’ t ask us to be perfect before we seek Him . His desire is to show us His unchanging character . His gaze , intent , and actions have always

been in love , for love , and through love for US . He is trustworthy , and He loves YOU .

“ But God demonstrates his own love for us in this : While we were still sinners , Christ died for us ” ( Romans 5:8 , NIV ).

“ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son , that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life . For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world , but to save the world through him ” ( John 3:16-17 , NIV ).

The next time you question God ’ s character , remember His promises . Remember His track record . Remember that HE IS GOOD . This world is changing and affected by sin . God is unwavering and unaffected . He loves you , and that will never change . CMA

Ben and Rachel Larson serve CMA as National Evangelist Youth Movement .

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