Embracing the Shift: Growing Through Change
Navigating Life’s Transitions with Faith, Courage, and Confidence
“I embrace change as a natural part of growth”- On The Rise Studio
Happy Sunday Cousin’s!
I’m so glad you’ve decided to join me again for our weekly chit chat. This week we will be discussing the ebbs and flows of growth & change.
What exactly is change?
Change as a verb is defined as - to make something or someone different; alter; or to modify.
Change is a critical transitioning in the evolution of all living things-without change there is no growth. Whether it be personally or professionally, at some point in each of our lives we all come face to face with change.
I’m not sure when change last knocked on your front door, but for me change has currently decided to make herself at home- reclining on couch in the living room yelling for me to bring her a beer. Change is my roommate this season, and while she’s getting all cozy and whatnot, I’m somewhat struggling to adjust to her unwarranted presence. The only reason I’m asking her; bottle or can is because this isn’t our first rodeo with one another.
When was the last time you encountered change?
Back in 2019, I worked as a phlebotomist at a doctor’s office for about 90 days. Change had come knocking, asking me to step into something completely new, and honestly, I was scared as hell. With no prior training, it was just me and my determination to teach myself, all in the hopes of keeping my financial life afloat until my homeschool business was licensed.
About 90 days in, I was comfortable, as well as nearing the end of my time there when things started to get tense. I realized the discomfort was change reminding me not to settle permanently in a temporary location. The office was facing backlash from insurance companies over lab costs, and the fees were becoming a real headache. One of the doctors asked me to write a letter explaining to their patients that our lab wasn’t affiliated with the doctor’s office, that it was in the office but not of the office.
I typed up the letter and handed it over to him for approval. Immediately, he glanced at me and asked, "Did you write this yourself?"
I looked at him, a little confused and slightly jaded, especially since he had been standing right in front of me the entire time I was typing, with no one else around. My first thought was, Sir, what do you mean? You watched me. Did you think I was incapable of putting words together effectively? And then, the question I didn’t want to ask: Is it because I’m Black?
While my mind insisted on popping off, my mouth resisted by simply replying, “yes.” He smiled, handed the letter back, and said, “Candice, I think you’re in the wrong field. You should be writing.”
I laughed off his comment and carried on with my day, but his words stuck with me. I followed through with change by my side and, starting my own homeschool program out of my house. Five years later, I’m still here, still teaching, still following that path. But now, change is knocking again. And this time, it’s bringing resistance and a feeling of disconnection from my current field.
I’ve come to realize that change makes an appearance when you’ve outgrown your surroundings. Sometimes, it’s not a sudden shift—it’s more like a quiet nudge, a reminder that growth requires a change in direction. So, as I sit here today with my old friend, Change, on the couch beside me, I am preparing to pivot again.
Change is scary. The uncertainty of the unknown can make you question if you really have enough faith mentally to shift into something new. During these times of transition, I remind myself that purpose will demand transition. God won’t put any opportunity in front of me that I don’t have the capability to achieve.
Today’s Sunday sermon helping us grow with the gospel comes from Fellowship Bible Baptist Church.
In this 51-minute sermon titled “Grow Through It”, Pastor Tolan Morgan preaches from the book of Exodus chapter 1:7-14, focusing on how the Israelites grew through affliction & change under Pharaoh’s authority. Through these verses, Pastor Morgan reveals Pharaoh’s true identity and outlines 4 key prerequisites for preparing yourself—mentally, spiritually, and emotionally for the next level of growth in your life.
4 Prerequisites of Growing through Change
The author of growth is prophecy.
The attack of growth is Pharaoh.
The agent of growth is persecution.
The remedy to growth is rest.
I pray today’s chat inspires you to begin embracing change so you can grow into your next level of greatness. If you’re in a season of growth like me and looking forward to adjusting to life’s changes with faith and confidence, Chats with Candice is here to help you every step of the way. By subscribing to this newsletter, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and wisdom that will empower you to grow through life’s transitions and deepen your connection with God in this new season.
For those looking for an even richer experience, upgrading to a paid subscription unlocks exclusive content like detailed sermon notes, monthly challenges, daily personal prayers and scriptures, as well as weekend reflections and actionable steps to strengthen your faith. —subscribe today and step into the growth God has planned for you!
A Prayer for You
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a heart full of both anticipation and uncertainty. I know that change is part of your divine plan, and though it can be difficult and unsettling, I trust that you are leading me into a new season of growth. Lord, grant me the courage to embrace the changes you are allowing into my life, even when I feel unsure or afraid. Fill me with wisdom to understand the path you’ve laid out for me and the strength to walk it with faith.
Help me to release any fear of the unknown and trust that you are always with me, guiding me with your loving hand. May I be open to every lesson in this season, knowing that change is an opportunity to grow closer to my goals. Give me clarity to see your purpose in every transition and the grace to move forward with confidence.
Thank you for being constant in the midst of change. I place my trust in you knowing that your plans are positioning me to obtain an abundance of prosperity.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Sermon Snippets 📝: Grow through It
Scripture Spotlight 🔦: Exodus 1:7-14
Your plans are subject to change
God will use persecution to prosper you
Don’t turn temporary housing into a permanent location