Moving Forward as You Cope with
Change and Uncertainty
~ Reflections from Barbara’s Journals and Articles ~
What I learned each time things in my life changed, forcing me to move to a new area of life outside my comfort zone.
Several years ago, I discovered an online ezine published by Dan Miller at 48Days.com. I strongly related to an issue he published about how we were being affected by new technology, work models, methods of learning, and theology. Little has changed since then, except that everything is happening more quickly now than ever before. “We can’t escape these changes,” Miller said, “but we do have an option for how we’re going to deal with them. With change comes defeat and despair—or opportunity.” (See more about Dan Miller at the end of this post.)
I identified with Dan’s words as I remembered how defeated I felt at the turn of the century. The Internet was exploding and I was still using a DOS computer, sending email, and browsing with Web-TV. Totally overwhelmed by technology, I was beginning to believe I was just too old to learn all this “new stuff.”
But I was wrong. We're never too old to learn new stuff, and opportunity is always knocking on our door. All we have to do is listen, and then open the door when we hear it. Of course, opening the door is just the first step. Then you have to walk through that doorway into a whole new area outside your comfort zone. I’m more stressed by changing technology today than ever before, but I keep trying to stay on top of what I need to change to keep moving forward in my website work and writing. But lately, I always seem to be working outside my comfort zone. The following quote gave me something else to consider:
“The world is changing at a magnitude and pace we’ve never seen before,” says pastor Allen Jackson. “We’re seeing the culmination of the ages beginning to unfold. Make us aware, O God, of the times in which we are now living, and help us to walk in the will of our LORD God Almighty to be good stewards of His Kingdom.”
Are You Feeling Stuck or
Trapped In a Bad Place?
If so, you know you have to MOVE to get to a better place. It may not be easy, but it will be worthwhile.
I’ve been in “that place” many times, and although I always wanted out of that place, I rarely moved quickly because I dreaded having to leave my comfort zone again. But the positive result each time I did that automatically repositioned me for something else that wouldn’t have come my way if I hadn’t moved in the first place.
In time, I learned that God had already dealt with what I was running scared from. Every time I moved into scary new territory, I found that God had positioned people to cross my path. At first, I thought these mysterious happenings were a coincidence, but once I’d accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, I quickly learned there are no coincidences where God is concerned, only what Christians like to call “Godwinks.” Essentially, this means that when we move and take a step in a new direction, God moves with us. And to help me deal with technology in my older age, He put special helpers in my life to guide me through each new “technological pitfall” He knew I would encounter.
A verse I have long lived by is this: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11; NIV). These verses also confirm how much God loves us:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9; NIV)
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5; NIV)
Recently, we sang a new hymn in church, and the words in the second stanza touched my soul because God is taking me in new directions now with a future I can’t yet envision. I’m hanging onto the words in italics below:
“I’m fighting a battle you’ve already won.
No matter what comes my way, I will overcome.
I don’t know what you’re doing, but I know what you’ve done.
I’m fighting a battle you’ve already won.
(From the song, You’ve Already Won, by Shane and Shane, 2023)
Benefits of Leaving Your Comfort Zone
In looking back, I see that every move that took me outside my comfort zone was accompanied by an intense period of self-study that got much easier once I learned how to use the Internet. I’ve always believed that if someone can read and study and then apply what they’ve learned, they can do anything they’re trying to accomplish.
When I turned eighty and was reflecting on my lifetime as a self-employed writer, speaker, editor, and publisher, I decided to document my successes to illustrate how much I had accomplished simply by working hard, doing all the self-study that was needed, and keeping going even when the future looked bleak. I hope my article, “One Writer’s Success Story,” will be an encouragement to individuals who are just starting a business of their own and wondering if they have what it takes to succeed. Or maybe it will encourage someone to keep going if they’ve just experienced a devastating business or personal setback and are wondering if it’s worth the effort to keep going.
Another Resource for You
If you’re not happy with the work you’re doing now, or are feeling stuck in a place you don’t want to be, check the 48Days.com website. Dan Miller, an inspiration to me at the turn of the century—who died of cancer in January 2024—would be so proud of his daughter, Ashley Logsdon, and son, Kevin, two podcasters who are continuing their father’s entrepreneurial work. Says Ashley, “I believe without a doubt you can find–or create–the work and life you love if you combine your Talent, your Passion, and a clear process for sustainable Income.”
That’s exactly what I did 25 years ago, and it worked, so I say Amen to that advice! May God direct your steps as you go out into the world today.
Related Article
“Dealing with the Constant Need for Change.” Each year, as things around us change, or we change, we will find it necessary to make subtle shifts in the way we’re living and working. (This article links to another, “The Need for Change as You and Your Business Grow Older.”)
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First published as Barbara's Personal Musings About Life in October 2025.
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