Navigating change faithfully isn’t always easy—even for kids. Even when the change is good. Bodies and minds are wired for predictability—where we can coast on autopilot. Throw a monkey wrench in the smoothness of a system, and things can unravel quickly. But change provides an opportunity for faithful transformation of our own.
The Only Constant: Change?
Maybe you’ve been there. Perhaps you’re there right now. Maybe your kiddos are.
After eight years home with my daughter, I’ve gone back to work. An opportunity arose: Children’s Ministry Director. And these first two weeks have been heavenly. For me.
But this isn’t the only change.
For us and our kids, summer fades into fall, vacation halts and school starts, and a new teacher has new expectations in a new grade.
This year, I am once again that teacher. And I’m preparing to help these kids navigating change.
Common Changes Kids Face
- Changes at Home:
- Birth of a sibling
- Divorce or separation of parents; remarriage
- Moving to a new home
- The arrival of extended family members (grandparents, cousins, etc.)
- Loss of a pet or loved one
- Greater responsibility or independence
- Changing traditions
- School Changes:
- Starting preschool or kindergarten
- Transitioning to a new school
- Changing teachers
- Moving to a different grade level; higher expectations
- A bad grade
- Trying or giving up sports or clubs
- Friendship Changes:
- Making new friends
- Losing friends due to moving or other reasons
- Shifting peer groups
- Navigating social media and online interactions
- Physical and Emotional Changes:
- Puberty and related physical changes
- Transitioning from baby teeth to permanent teeth
- Developing a deeper understanding of emotions
- Coping with feelings of jealousy, sadness, anger, etc
- Coping with illness or chronic conditions
- Changes in eating habits and dietary restrictions
Bible Characters of Faithful Transformation:
Sometimes it helps to look at people who have faced challenges and made it through well. And sometimes it’s even more helpful to read about those who didn’t make it through well.
Paul. Technically, Saul—was a zealous persecutor of Christians. Until God asked, “Why are you persecuting Me?” This revelation from the living God set him on a new course—a complete 180.
Abraham and Sarah. Technically, Abram and Sarai. They were given new names marking them as God’s own. They walked forward in their new identities under a new master to a place not yet revealed.
Moses began hesitant and self-doubting when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. But he grew into a confident and strong leader throughout Exodus.
Cain? Not so much. He saw God’s favor on his brother—NOT on himself. God showed him his jealousy and encouraged him to conquer it. He transformed alright. Into the world’s first murderer.
What do they have in common?
They each encountered the living God. But even when Cain was given the recipe for faithful transformation, he held onto hate. Perhaps change is the revealer of what’s in a heart.
Create in me a clean heart, oh God, for everything I do flows from it.
Navigating Change Faithfully: A Matter of Heart
Want to see what’s inside your child’s heart? Watch how she handles change. See what fruits of the Spirit—or what opposites—come out.
Does fear emerge? Anger or frustration? Or patience, openness, and trust?
Although change may be a great revealer of what’s in the heart, we can still help kids navigate. No psych degree needed—just someone to sit next to them, tell them not that “it will be okay,” but that we’ve been there, too. And it stinks. And it’s scary. But we’re still alive. And maybe even well.
Maybe there’s a change you can apply these discussion questions to. Maybe first a change your child is fine with and easily able to discuss. And next, a change she’s struggling with.
- “How do you feel about this change?”
- “What’s the best and worst that this change might bring about?”
- “I remember a time I was facing a change I dreaded…I felt…”
- “What do you think can help this change be better or at least less bad?”
- “I remember a change you faced. I was impressed that you…”
- “How can I best pray about this change you’re facing?”
- “Have any of your friends faced a change they didn’t want? How did you try to help? Did it work?”
- “I’ve seen some things you’re good at when you’ve faced a change…”
- “How can we minimize the risks that might come from this change?”
A Prayer to Help Navigate Change
Sometimes the most powerful help is simply to remember how big God is and how small we are. (Go ahead, click that link and get a powerful reminder.) He’s sovereign over it all. That every good and perfect gift is from above. And He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. That even Job made it through—and what a hero he is because of it. With the armor of God, he withstood the enemy’s schemes.
Pray: Lord, I don’t like it. But it’s here. Whether You’re causing it or allowing it, I trust You. And I’ll trust the process. Make me strong. Let me persevere. Let it bring You glory. You are in ultimate authority. Comfort me. Because it hurts. Work it for good. Make the ending better than I can imagine. Since my life is as short as it is small, thank you for eternity in heaven—no matter what I face here. This is not my home. But I will glorify You in it. Amen.
Then download our free printable on the Fruits of the Spirit—with their opposites. See which come from your kiddos when they encounter change. With each of us guilty of a slew of them, the gospel message will become relevant even to kids who didn’t know why it mattered.
Until next time, fellow Pioneer. Keep on cultivating their seeds of faith. No matter what territory you’re in.
