One could argue that all of life is a series of transitions. You’re born, you transition to life outside the womb, sleeping, nursing, eating, walking, using the big potty, puberty, school transitions, job/career, marriage transitions, parenting transitions, more job transitions, empty nest transitions, and th you die or those you love die. All of life is a series of transitions. So...
How do you navigate a transition successfully?
Know Jesus.
We must keep the first things first. Times of transition can be distracting and disorienting. This is a vital time to draw closer to Jesus, know him better, and learn to trust Him more. How?
Pursue Him in…
The Bible: Make reading God’s Word the focus of your life – come up with a plan before the transition. As you read, ask yourself, “What is God revealing about himself to us in this passage?” Learn or be reminded of who God is. What is His character like? (He is faithful, steadfast, loving, merciful, kind, powerful, etc.)
Prayer: Transitions can often be lonely times – this can be a great time to deepen your intimacy with God through engaging Him in frequent prayer. Set aside a specific time regularly (daily) and pray. Don’t just intercede. Talk to God about your life.
Obedience: Is there a specific area where you just need to obey – practice obedience. Don’t just know something about God… know Him because you have experienced Him in your life.
Community: find a community and pursue Christ-centered relationships. (2 Timothy 2:22) They can help you process through your difficulties - get advice, encouragement, and assistance.
Know Yourself.
Know your weaknesses. Where are you more likely to get tripped up or tempted when out of your comfort zone? Make plans to protect yourself during this time. Proverbs 27:12 says “Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.”
Know Your Adversary.
Be aware of the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11).
What are the schemes of the devil?
Deception: This is #1 for a reason. It is Satan’s primary tool. Jesus calls him the Father of Lies for a reason (John 8:44).
Division of believers: He seeks to destroy God’s community. (Matthew 13:1-58)
Doubt the character of God: Question God’s words, His love, and His goodness (Genesis 3 – “Is God really good?”).
Complacency: “This is a dangerous state because it causes us to see no need for self-examination. Being overly satisfied with how things are and not wanting to change them for the better prevents us from accelerating with God from glory to glory. In fact, to stop going forward in the spiritual life is to go backward...even if we're standing still.”
Read more at https://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/galleries/6-strategic-schemes-the-enemy-uses-to-distract-you.aspx?p=2#lxTxrcc3QDS1fbRp.99Discouragement: Keeping us disheartened or in paralyzing despair.
Diversion: Makes the wrong things seem attractive and harmless. You may want them more than the right things.
Defeat: By using shame, guilt or self-doubt, you feel like a failure, so you don’t even try.
The best way to beat the devil: Know Christ and Live in the truth of the gospel.
Since all of life is a series of transitions, we need to spend some time thinking through how we can navigate them well. You’re probably on the verge of a transition right now - it’s a great time to draw near to God and allow the transition to push you closer to Him!