Devotionals

Unwanted Change

by John Custer
06/17/20
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UNWANTED CHANGE

Ohio farmers of the early 19th century had a big problem.  They had no way to get their products to market because there were no highways or railroads servicing central Ohio.

George Washington envisioned a canal that would connect Lake Erie to the Ohio River, and later many government leaders made it happen.  The massive project required 146 locks.  Large reservoirs were constructed to supply water to the canal, and communities were assigned a portion of the canal to build.  Boats had to be built; mules acquired and workers engaged to operate the canal.  Soon communities developed around the canal such as Akron and Canal Fulton.  Theaters, hotels, restaurants, churches and saloons sprang up to service the canal patrons.  Completed in 1832 each barge could carry 10 tons; a tremendous improvement.  The “interstate” of that day was busy.

After the railroads began to flourish, the flood of 1913 devastated the canal and it was replaced by the railroad.  Railroads could carry larger loads and they were not encumbered by freezing weather.

 The people of the canal had to find new jobs. Many businesses were boarded up.

The people didn’t ask for the change. It was simply thrust upon them, just as highways and airplanes later impacted the railroad industry.

We too are impacted by changes outside our control (i.e. Corona Virus, protests, etc.). What do we do?  Where do we turn?

David was often confronted with change that was not his doing.  He turned to God and said in Psalm 55: 27 (NIV), “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.  He will never let the righteous be shaken.”  Good advice!

Prayer: “Dear God, when my world is shaken, help me to trust you, the unshakable.”

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