Like a book, life has chapters. Each chapter is unique in its own way, but the common element that marks the transition is change. Change can be scary but it offers the opportunity to grow. Most of us don’t like change although some excitement certainly comes with it. In our minds we always dream about the future. In our imagination we construct a world where everything is perfect and we are happy. However, the reality is never like we envision it. Truth is, the transition from one season of life to another can sometimes be smooth and other times quite rough.
Joseph is a great example of this. He experienced many changes as a young man. As a child, Joseph got a great start. In fact, he was the favorite son of his father, Jacob. However, his good fortune did not last very long. Out of envy, his brothers sold Joseph as a slave into Egypt. There he was accused falsely by Potiphar’s wife and thrown in prison. But God did not forget Joseph and used the negative events of his life for His glory and Joseph’s good. In spite of all the ups and downs, Joseph lived a successful life because God was the constant in the midst of his circumstances.
Some of our teenagers are graduating high school this month, closing a very important chapter in their lives. Many of them will go to college while others will start a career. Either way, they will experience significant change.