Embracing Transitions: Lessons on Trusting God through Change
Understanding the concept of transition as a transformational journey guided by God's plan. Embrace change, avoid fighting it, and remain open to God's direction even when the path seems unclear. Learn to trust in the Lord and have faith in His promises amidst life's transitions.
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Presentation Transcript
YOURE NOT CRAZY. YOU RE IN TRANSITION
MY STORY What God the Holy Spirit is teaching me about transitions
What do we mean by Transition ? Transition could be defined as the act of passing from one state or place to the next; or an event that results in a transformation. Finding God s best when life happens.
Dont Fight Transition You can be certain of this about transition. It will not allow you to stay in the same place. You can fight it all you want. It s not going anywhere! Fight all you want, but, until you transition to the expected state, you and transition will be miserable.
Be Careful You Dont Miss God in the Transition ! ! Jesus s ministry was all about transitioning people from one state to another. That was His goal. It could be in thought, health, wealth, etc. However, more often than not, the people missed His transitions.
How we miss God in the transition The picture is not clear. So we are afraid to follow. We want all the details with a clear picture of what is going to happen. We need to know where we will work, how much we ll make, etc. God said to Abram, Go to a land I will show you (Gen. 12:1); not, a land I have shown you. Follow me and I will make you fishers of men (Matthew4:19), not follow me because I have made you fishers of men. The picture becomes clearer as we follow. The assignment is too frightening. He was Rich, Young and he Ruled. Jesus reached to the very core of his identity: to give it all up. (Matthew 19:21) The timing is not right. It needs to feel right before we can make that change. In His time, he makes all things beautiful. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Not our time.
Other reasons why we miss God in the transition Lack of trust. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6). Lack of faith: For we walk by faith; not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7). As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on water! Fear of the unknown. And the list goes on and on. All He is asking is for us to believe him when he says: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.: (Jeremiah 29:11).
How Can We Get Through Transition? How Do We Handle It? Prayer! It s the best calming balm for the soul! It is the spiritual resource we cannot afford to neglect. Through prayer, we cry out to the Lord, seeking to understand His will; asking for power to obey, even when we don t/can t understand what is happening. Jesus prayed ..nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done. (Luke 22:42)
WHY SHOULD WE PRAY? Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
How Else Can We Get Through Transition Are There Other Ways? YES!! Planning: Plan and organize according to God s will. Don t get caught up in busy work. Planning helps keep you focused on God-given goals. Commit your activities to the Lord and your plans will be achieved. (Proverbs 16:3) People: God placed other people in our lives for a reason. We find can find encouragement. Contact friends, neighbors, relatives, fellow church members who would be glad to assist you. Don t deny them that blessing! This is ministry given and received. A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time. (Proverbs 17:17)
Want More? You Got It! Perspective: Take a fresh look at God and His Word, not at your present circumstances. Fight being discouraged and disheartened when times are especially hard. Remember God is in control! He can (and will) bring good out of the most difficult, painful, or confusing circumstances. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) God s peace can comfort and encourage our hearts. Weeping may spend the night, but there is joy in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b)
OkayOne More and thats it! Perseverance: Never give up hope, no matter what! Yes, there will be those days, but God is able to do what we could never do. It is His strength that we rely upon. He may not remove everything, but He will be with us through it all. Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21) Song: Lord Don t Move that Mountain
Benefits of a God-Appointed Transition God gives time to adjust and release the past. Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.: (John 14:1) He gives you time to grieve while pointing to what lies ahead. He comforts us. An invitation to become closer to God: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20) He invites us to a private conversation.
And The Benefits Keep Coming! Transition is preparation for the new thing God is doing. Transition is not a place for you to get stuck. Transition tells you God is preparing you to receive something new He is about to send your way .a new season in your life and a fresh infilling of His Holy Spirit. It is God who controls your destiny. Not man!
Keys to How God Brings Transition Little by Little. God is going to work with you one step at a time. You will get where He wants you to go one step at a time. One day at a time. One victory at a time. Song: You Can t Hurry God!
How Does God Bring Transition? Remove and replace. God will do this with attitudes, mind-sets, circumstances, relationships, fear, debt and anything else that might hinder the promises and blessings he has for you. See Deuteronomy 7:22. Change and your relationships. Transition is not a private matter. It will impact your spouse, children, neighbors, friends, etc. They too will need time to adjust. Wait Patiently. Don t rush ahead of God s timing. Embrace the transition. He redeems time and restores the years the locust have eaten. (Joel 2:25)
MOST IMPORTANT.. Be careful how you enter your transition. No matter how painful, there is always something to thank God for! Spend time alone with God. Read His Word. Add some type of devotional companion. ( Max Lucado: Anxious for Nothing ) Pray for peace and freedom from anxiety and worry. Pray for the peace of Christ to settle on your home and loved ones. Be thankful and bless His name. Why? Because the Lord is good and his mercies are everlasting!
Ask In faithAnd Do Not Doubt .James 1:6 Jesus will get you through your transition. Never, Ever doubt Him for anything!
CREDITS Loper, Towera Nyirenda: Don t miss God in the Transition Owens, Marvin: Finding God s best when life happens Calder, Helen: Benefits of a God-appointed transition Dowdy, Naomi: Keys to how God brings transition Scriptures: Taken from the NASB; NIV and ESV.
