If we are honest, we can all be creatures of habit. For the most part, we find comfort in our regular routines. Whether it is getting up at the same time each day, what we eat for breakfast, or the bedtime routines we have, there is a sense of well-being when we know what to expect. So when change brings a time of transition, it shifts us out of a regular pattern and routine that can really shake things up. When it is an expected change, we can emotionally and mentally prepare for what lies ahead. However, as it is so often in life, change can happen suddenly without warning. Growth and advancement does not occur without changes and transition. Logically we know this to be true, but it doesn’t change the fact that most people feel a sense of dread to some extent when things begin shifting. Romans 8:28 is a familiar verse that says,
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (NASB)
There is an internal battle which takes place between our spirit and soul on this issue. Our soul likes to be in control and comfortable for the most part. We resist the stretching and releasing that comes with the process of growth. Our mindsets tend to frame up future expectations from our experiences of the past, whether positive or negative. So when it came time for me recently, to change my office space from the current location to a new one, God had to bring me out from another mental block that had formed over the years. I had developed the mindset that I would always have an office space that was separate from my home in doing therapeutic work. When God started directing me to the beautiful space he had already provided for me, I resisted. I had a list of reasons why that could not possibly work, as though I knew what was “best” for me and those I work with. This was all rooted in expectations and experience from a past season of life. God in his Fatherly way, had to show me the new path He had marked out for me. I have to admit, there was a struggle in my spirit and soul. My spirit, recognized the direction that Father was leading me in, but my mind just didn’t have the framework to gain the clarity that I was needing. Once I surrendered, after trying to redirect things a time or two, I began to recognize God’s wisdom and goodness in his invitation. The truth is, God honors our free will, and doesn’t force us to accept his invitations into the new things that he would be delighted to give us. He loving allows us to decide if we will hold onto the way things are, rather than move into the way things could be…
When hope’s dream seems to drag on and on, the delay can be depressing. But when at last your dream comes true, life’s sweetness will satisfy your soul. (Proverbs 13:12, TPT)
Our souls need to experience the sweetness that comes with surrender and trusting God to satisfy us in ways we can’t even imagine, with his goodness.
Steps in Pursuit
- Prayerfully consider ways that you may be delaying your breakthrough this season, because of holding onto control through comfort.
- The enemy takes advantage of our dread of change. Ask God to give you the courage and strength to say “Yes” to the growth and changes he has planned for your good in 2025.
- Renewal of the mind is something we all need to be able to gain the vision that God has for us. Romans 12:2 says, And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Ask God to realign your thoughts with his, as he renews your mind to think outside the limitations of old mindsets.
I’m so thankful that I finally allowed God to transition me to my wonderful new space. Working from my home office has been a blessing in so many ways that I could not see before from my old mindset. I encourage you to trust the goodness of God in transitions, although it may require some major changes that can be uncomfortable, it brings beautiful growth for new seasons.
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
