WHEN THE CHEESE MOVES 

Read: ECCLESIASTES 11:1-8

Meditation verse:

“But if a man lives many years and rejoices in them all, yet let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. All that is coming is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 11:8).

 

In Spencer Johnson’s book “Who Moved My Cheese?” four characters go in search of cheese in a maze. The maze is a labyrinth of corridors and chambers—easy to get lost in. Eventually, they discover some cheese at Station C. Two of the characters, Sniff and Scurry, were observant and proactive. They arrived early each morning to inspect the area and check for any changes. Only after assessing the situation, did they settle down to enjoy the cheese. The other two characters, Hem and Haw, awoke later, dressed leisurely, and walked to Cheese Station C without much thought. After all, they already knew where the cheese was and how to get there. They had no idea where the cheese came from or who placed it there. Feeling secure and content, they assumed the cheese would always be there. But one morning, all four arrived at Station C and discovered the cheese was gone.

 

Sniff and Scurry were not surprised—they had noticed the cheese supply dwindling. Without hesitation, they laced up their running shoes and ventured back into the maze to search for new cheese. Eventually, they found an even greater supply at another station. Hem and Haw, on the other hand, were shocked. “Who moved the cheese?” they exclaimed, angry and frustrated. They felt betrayed—no one had warned them. Discouraged and hungry, they returned home. Eventually, Haw overcame his fear and set off in search of new cheese, but Hem remained at the empty cheese station, hoping someone would return with his cheese. He stayed there—weak, hungry, and unwilling to change.

 

In the story, “cheese” is a metaphor for the good things in life. We each have our own definition of cheese: a job, marriage, career, relationships, money, health, freedom, spirituality, peace, recognition, or status. The maze represents society, where we navigate life in pursuit of these things. But life offers no guarantees. The only constant is change. And yes—your cheese will be moved.

The job we thought was secure can disappear in an instant. The relationship we relied on can falter. Finances can run dry. Health challenges can arise unexpectedly. And we’re left wondering what to do next. While no one hopes for these shifts, we must be proactive and prepared if they come. Sniff and Scurry remained alert to change. Are you? Are you scanning your environment—your career, relationships, health, and spiritual life—for early signs of transition? Everything in our world today is shifting rapidly. Uncertainty is real. The question is: how prepared are you for a cheese less situation?

 

The bible does not promise us a life free from change. Instead, it prepares us for it. Ecclesiastes 11:1–2 says: “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil will be on the earth.” Ecclesiastes 11:8 reminds us: “If a man lives many years and rejoices in them all, yet let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. All that is coming is vanity.” And Ecclesiastes 3:1 declares: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Life moves in seasons and transitions. Embrace and enjoy the good seasons—but be prepared to navigate the challenging ones. 

 

What “cheese” in your life has recently moved? Are you resisting the change, expecting things to return to normal, or are you asking God to show you the next step? Don’t remain in a cheese less situation. When the cheese is moved, move and trust God to help you find new one

 

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
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