Variable Conditions

“For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6) (NIV)

“Another day, another season” I thought as I sighed and “suited up” for my job as a ski racing coach at a resort in New Hampshire. I reached into my locker, exchanging the heavy coat I had planned to wear for a much lighter one. It was early February (Winter), and the forecast was for a record high temp of 60 degrees (Spring). Just a few days before, I told my fiancée that the constantly changing conditions this winter–snow, warm, freezing cold, rain and lightning–had been very draining. There is a saying in New England, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute,” and this winter has borne this out. The constant changes to the snow under my skis, in addition to 70 straight days of grey skies, flat light, fog, mist, rain and low visibility has made for a season where I cannot just “relax” into my skiing. I’ve had to be “on my toes” and vigilant every turn and every run. Day after day, as we experience several different “seasons” in this one, the snow report and signs at the mountain proclaim, “Variable conditions, ski and ride with caution.”

Like skiing or riding, life is full of the “variable conditions” of change. Some changes we accept as beautiful. Some we accept more reluctantly.  And some changes can leave us dizzy, reeling. “I was not prepared for this!” we cry out. There can be fear, outrage, and uncertainty. Because of this, I am so grateful for the certainty and stability God offers us when life seems anything but.

The environment and weather are continually changing, as are we. We all share a “variable conditions” nature. In the world, the adage goes, “the only constant is change.” But we faithful followers do not serve a “variable conditions” God.  Our adage could very well be, “the only constant is God” and His unchanging nature, which is completely reliable. When all of life feels unpredictable, we always know what to expect in His disposition towards us. God always means what He says. And He always follows through on His words: God said He would rescue the Israelites and He did. God said He would send His only Son to save mankind and He did. In Hebrews 13:8 we are comforted to learn that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (ESV). I am so grateful that, in a world of such uncertainty, I can count on the steadying comfort of the invariably unwavering, good, and gracious nature of God.