As fallen and finite beings, we are continually learning new facts that alter our perception, continually facing new developments that alter our plans, and continually experiencing trials that threaten our relationships. We change, and the world changes around us. Yet, God does not change. The theological term for this idea is the immutability of God. Simply put, God does not change in his essence, attributes, or purposes.

(Editor’s Note: This post originally was published at the Reaching and Teaching blog.)

We live in uncertain times. Every day, I turn on the news to get the latest updates about the growing number of patients falling prey to COVID-19, about the new restrictions in place to limit its growth, and about how its ripple effects are spreading to every corner of the globe. The common refrain you hear from doctors, journalists, and politicians nowadays is, “It’s an ever-evolving situation.” 

That’s our world. An ever-evolving situation. And it didn’t start with the onset of the coronavirus. The seasons change. The trials take different forms. But the world—and our life within it—is constantly changing. With the various changes come questions:

• When can we get out of the house again? 
• What if she doesn’t like me?
• What if I lose my job?
• When will the kids go back to school? 
• Will we have to come off the mission field? 
• What if I never get married?
• What do we do now?

The questions we ask are endless. There is a temptation to look at all of the uncertainty around us and to be engulfed by discouragement.

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