"Transitions"
Back in the late 1980's, my parents helped purchase my first vehicle--an old Datsun pickup truck. It was full of rust and had seen its better days, but it was wonderful! The only problem was that it was a "stick Shift", and I did not know how to operate such a vehicle! As my father gave some lessons, I quickly learned the importance of a smooth transition between gears. If I did not use the clutch... well... let's just say, "Don't forget to use the clutch!"
Life is like driving a "stick shift"-full of transitions and shifting gears. Graduating, getting married, having children, moving, changing jobs, and retiring are just a few examples. Life's transitions may be major, such as the above, or minor, such as coming home from a day at work. They may be by choice, or they may be beyond our control, like losing a loved one. The smoother we can make these transitions, the better life will be on the other side of them.
How can we make life transitions smoother? First, we need to find our stability in Christ. When our circumstances are moving quickly or changing radically, He is an anchor that keeps us secure. Scripture tells us that He is with us always (Matt. 28:20), and that He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8).
Next, we should prepare, being led by God's Spirit. Scripture contains many accounts of this. For example, the book of Proverbs points us to the ants which prepare their food in the summer (30:25). The Israelites were to prepare to cross over the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:11). We will not be able to prepare equally for all transitions because some come unexpectedly and/or suddenly. But for the ones we do know about, we can make ourselves ready as God shows us what He wants to do.
Last, but not least, we should have faith in God and rest in Him. In other words, don't worry; He is on control! We can prepare out of fear of what might happen, or we can prepare peacefully and confidently, knowing that God will watch over us.
What transitions are you facing? Will you find stability in Christ, prepare as He guides you, and rest in Him? If you will, the transitions will be much smoother, and life on the other side will be that much easier.
Lord Jesus, transition is not always easy for me to face. Help
me to find stability in You during these times. Also, guide me
to prepare in ways You know will be best. Most of all, strengthen
my faith in You that I might rest peacefully in Your care,
knowing You will watch over me.
Pastor Jay
