Adjusting to a New Assignment - HOW TO DEAL WITH A CHANGE

Whether we serve in the field or at Bethel, we can develop deep affection for people and even for the place where we serve.  If for any reason we have to leave, our heart feels torn.  We miss those who stay behind, and we worry about them, especially if we have to leave because of persecution.  (Matthew 10:23; 2 Corinthians 11:28, 29)  Further, taking up a new assignment -or even returning home- often means experiencing culture shock.  " We had become unfamiliar with our own culture and even with preaching in our native language," say Robert and Mary Jo.  "We feel as if we didn't fit in anymore."  Some who get a change of assignment may suddenly face unexpected financial challenges.  They may feel uncertain, insecure, and discouraged.  What can help?

 Stay close to Jehovah.   (James 4:8)  How can we do that?  By trusting in him as the "Hearer of prayer."  (Psalm 65:2)  "Pour out your hearts before him," says Psalm 62:8.  Jehovah can do "more than super abundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive.  (Ephesians 3:20)   He does not limit himself to what we specifically ask for in our prayers.  He may do the unexpected, beyond anything we could ever think of, to solve our problems. 

To remain close to Jehovah, read the Scriptures daily and ponder on them.  One former missionary says:  "Maintain a regular schedule of family worship and meeting preparation, just as you did in your former assignment."  Also continue to be fully involved in preaching the good news in your new congregation.  Jehovah remembers those who continue to serve him faithfully, even if they cannot do all they did before. - Read HEBREWS 6:10-12. 

Keep your life simple.   Do not let the anxieties of Satan's world  "choke" your spiritual activity.  (Matthew 13:22)   Reject pressure from the world or from well-meaning friends or relatives to seek financial security in Satan's system.  (Read 1 John 2:15-17)  Trust in Jehovah, who promises to provide for all our spiritual emotional, and material needs "at the right time." - HEBREWS 4:16; 13:5, 6. 

Next time: Adjusting to a New Assignment -  Conclusion of HOW TO DEAL WITH A CHANGE

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