Dancing With ChangeSample

Day 5: Navigating Relationship Changes:

Navigating changes in relationships can be both challenging and transformative. We should decide to maneuver through the maze with resilience and compassion, determined to move forward into the future. For inspiration, we can look to an ancient hero - Joshua. While more than 3,300 years have passed since he led Israel into the promised land, Joshua’s courage and determination serve as sparkling examples to anyone facing relational upheaval and uncertainty in the modern era.

I admire Joshua for his forthrightness in continuing forward despite his grief, loss of guidance from one of the most prolific leaders in history (for years Moses had been his mentor and confidante), and doubts that the promises God had made to him were still valid. The passage from Joshua 1:3–7 outlines the pledge the Lord made to Joshua, guaranteeing such things as:

• God would give him every place the sole of his foot would tread.
• This expanse stretched from the wilderness to Lebanon, the river Euphrates, the land of the Hittites, and the Great Sea.
• Nobody would be able to stand before Joshua; as God had been with Moses, so would He be with Joshua.
• Joshua had only to stand and be strong and of good courage as he divided the land among the twelve tribes of Israel.

No matter how difficult to acknowledge, tough to face, or how much we prefer the easier path, it will take courage to work our way through relationship changes. Any precious thing in life that is worth attaining will require vast amounts of courage. No matter what it is—embarking on a new business, committing to marrying your beloved friend, vowing to be a man or woman of impeccable integrity, or standing up for your convictions, you will need the courage to get the job done. So it is with resolving changing relationships that can tax your resources to the limit, offer enough frustration to last a lifetime, and sometimes make you shake your head and wonder: is this worth it? When you come through the challenge with a refined character, multiplied patience, and stronger relationships, you will answer, “Yes, it is.”