The Winds of Change

For many, the “Fortune 500” companies represent the highest level of stability. Produced by the editors of Fortune magazine, this list has earned the reputation for credibility. These editors spend months pouring over annual reports, revenue figures, and thousands of other factors.

To be one of the companies on this list means having a solid reputation and a track record of success. Yet even these massive corporations are subject to changing conditions.

For example, when the list from Fortune was first created in 1955, only 50 firms were named. Of these 50 firms, only 10 still exist. All the others either have been acquired or are out of business altogether.

As these companies learned, conditions in the world constantly change. We can seem invincible one day and vulnerable the next. One day it can seem that we are hopeless underdogs, and later we can find ourselves victorious and triumphant.

This has remained the characteristic of the world throughout time. It is true for countries and companies, big and small. For men and women. And it is true today.

Jesus addressed this principle in the Sermon on the Mount. There He presented two paths: One that leads to instability, described as “a foolish man who built his house on sand.” This man was unprepared for life’s storms.

The other is the path of wisdom. This means being like “a wise man who built his house on the rock.” This is a path to stability and confidence. Being ready for change. Ultimately, this means trusting in God and His Word (Matthew 7:24-27).

Today, remember that everything in this world is subject to change. Even things that seem fixed and permanent. Instead of finding stability in nations or rulers, businesses and governments, wise men or scholars, we must recognize that our stability is only in God.