Transitioning from one season into the next happens effortlessly in nature. Spring changes into summer, summer fades into fall and fall transitions into winter. In our own lives, however, the transition from one season into the next may bring some challenges. Even though we recognize that change is a part of growing, at times we may find ourselves resisting the changes that God may be inviting us into as we are walking with the Spirit.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25, ESV)
In pursuing the next step in our destiny, we will come to a threshold. This is the place where we must make a decision: “Will I accept the invitation that God is extending to me or will I remain in the place where I have been?” Now I know that this may seem like an easy question to answer. You might be saying to yourself, “Of course I want what God has for me!” But if we look a bit closer at what that has looked like in the past, we recognize that at these moments there is a sacrifice required. We have to surrender the old to step into the new. In childhood the sacrifice might have been small, even if it felt big at the time. Giving up your favorite pair of shoes that you have outgrown, in order to get new ones that will be a better fit. This happens in our spiritual lives also. God’s work in our life is to help us mature to look like Christ. He isn’t interested in us remaining spiritual infants.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13, NIV)
In my own life, one challenge in accepting the new thing, has been that the old thing has been good. In other words, there have been times where I have been using my gifts and ministering to others in ways that I have really enjoyed when God began to move me in a different direction. This change of direction has required me to surrender my comfort and “what I have known,” for the unknown. Another challenge has been that it has brought different relationships and even locations. Others may not understand why we are making these changes. It can even cause some disappointments and hurt feelings. In these moments, God will give everyone what they need to adjust to the new season if we keep our eyes on him and remain in step with his Spirit. I want to share some keys that I have found to be helpful in navigating transitions.
Keys in Transition:
- Expect change. If you are not changing, then you are not growing in a new season.
- Transition with honor. Resist the temptation to sacrifice others, yourself, or God in pleasing man rather than obeying God.
- If you are leaving a place or parting ways in relationships, leave a blessing.
- Practice forgiveness with misunderstandings.
- Prayerfully ask God to give you the courage to overcome fear of change.
As we take these steps, our destiny will continue to unfold in God’s timing for us. He is loving and patient, never setting us up for failure. He invites us into the new season or assignment, when he knows we are ready, our part is to surrender. The next adventure is waiting for us to step in…
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
