Please don't refresh this page.
We are submitting all your information.
This takes few seconds.
It will redirect after submission.
We are submitting all your information.
This takes few seconds.
It will redirect after submission.
I grew up in a country where we experienced four distinct seasons every year. I particularly enjoy summer, especially in the state of Colorado. The longer days give you more time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping. The scenery is lush with beautiful tall trees, the flowers are in full bloom, and the temperature is pleasant, especially around the mountains and lakes. And when September rolls around, you can feel the shift from summer to fall, bringing a different but nearly equally enjoyable experience as the temperature drops and leaves change to various colors of burgundy, orange, and yellow.
Recently, I experienced two major transitions in which I had to trust God to carry me through as I grieved and readjusted to new situations. (1) A couple of very good friends with whom I had co-labored with for years moved to a new field of service, (2) I had to transition to a new line of work that was unrelated to the work I do among displaced people.
Change can be challenging as it often brings feelings of sadness, disappointment or resistance, but seasons are part of life and transitions are inevitable as we go from one season to another. Understanding and accepting the season you are in is crucial in helping you transition smoothly into the next one.
Here are three action steps to consider that have helped me in my transitions:
1. Accept that change is inevitable.
Like seasons, change is an ever-present reality. Instead of resisting, denying, or avoiding change, accept change as part of life and ministry—an occasion for personal development and new opportunities. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 sums up that there is a time and season for everything in life. The experiences might be contrasting, but they are part of our human experience and through change we learn and grow.
2. Be transparent about your emotions.
Acknowledging your feelings, examining them and sharing them with others (i.e., teammate(s), spouse, therapist) is vital to help you process what you are going through. James 5:16 encourages us to confess our sins to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed because the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. I am a firm believer that confessing/sharing our emotions to/with each other can be deeply cathartic as well.
3. Remain anchored in the word of God. Because the Word of God is:
Truth - “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” - John 17:17
Life - “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” - John 6:63
Living & Powerful - “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” - Hebrews 4:12
Healing - “He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” - Psalm 107:20
Light - “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” - Psalms 119:105
Hope - “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." - Romans 15:4
The Sword of the Spirit - “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” - Ephesians 6:17
Transitioning into a new season will become easier as you accept change and trust in God. So make the step to do so today!
How did your last transition shape your perspective on change?
Everyone experiences transitions in their own unique ways. As far as I'm concerned, in my recent transitions, I've found that, even though change brings a wide range of negative emotions, there are positive aspects that should be considered.
Change brings opportunities for us to:
Rely more on the Holy Spirit.
When my teammates moved to a new field of service, I wondered whether my mission was coming to an end or if I should consider serving elsewhere. The Holy Spirit answered my prayer by reminding me of my calling to serve Him and that my mission was not finished yet. He assured me that when the time would come for me to move, He would provide clear directions. Ultimately, I found peace in remaining where I was and was content to be attentive to His guidance.
In Acts 16:6-10, when the Apostle Paul and his companions tried to enter the city of Bithynia to preach the gospel, they were prevented by the Holy Spirit. This likely wasn’t what they had expected, but the Holy Spirit had different plans for them. Their obedience to not enter that city paid off, as the Lord redirected them through a dream to go to Macedonia instead. The Holy Spirit longs to lead us if we are open to it.
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
As I remained grounded on the Word of God, little by little, I started to feel that a new me was emerging. Through every season, God calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind.
Romans 12:2 says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (NIV) Transformation means adaptability—an active process of change. The purpose of this transformation is to enable us to discern God’s will for us. Uncovering the multi-faceted plans and purposes for our lives requires that we be pliable and open to change.
Become resilient.
Despite all the changes that have taken place in my life in recent months, I am grateful to say that the Lord has helped me persevere. The Holy Spirit has consistently empowered me with strength to remain faithful in fulfilling my calling.
Throughout Genesis 37 to 50, we witness Joseph's unwavering resilience. In the face of adversity, he demonstrates remarkable adaptability. He is betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, is falsely accused, is unjustly thrown into prison, is forgotten in the dungeon (even after he’s done some good in accurately interpreting the cupbearer’s dream) and yet Joseph keeps persevering and thriving, until God elevates Him to the prominent position of Prime Minister of the land of Egypt.
Change is at times challenging, yet in the midst of it, we can find solace in God being constant in guiding us, molding us and strengthening us through every transition.