From Here to There

by Aug 15, 2017Missions

Transition: the process of changing, or a change from one form or condition to another. (as defined by the Cambridge Dictionary)

It seems like everywhere you turn right now you can find the word ‘transition’ popping up. Most likely you can feel it or see it in your life right now too. In reality, we are always in some sort of transition. However, there are times where it is much more drastic and noticeable. I believe this is one of those times. Can you see it or feel it in your life? Recently, Patricia King shared at Shiloh Fellowship about keys for transition. It was so encouraging and timely. I wanted to highlight a couple of these keys.

The first and most important key is GOD! If you have nothing else, you have God, and that is more than enough! As we go through transition it is so important to lean into God and have our eyes and ears open. Also, it can be really uncomfortable when you are going through changes and who better than the ‘comforter’ Himself to turn to in those moments.

For some reason, it is so easy when things begin to get overwhelming and uncomfortable to turn to things other than God. Sometimes it’s comfort food or maybe it’s watching tv to take your mind away off from things. Whatever it is, catch it! Stop. Then turn your heart to Papa God and see what He wants to say to help and comfort you in each situation. It is so important in those moments when we don’t want to tune into Him that we catch ourselves and just immerse ourselves in His presence.

I found myself experiencing this as I’m in the process of transition currently. As I began to feel overwhelmed or stressed I just wanted to tune out. I wanted to not think. Holy Spirit would whisper in those moments to remind me that I could turn to Him. In those moments one of my favorite scriptures would come to mind…

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 NASB. I want to encourage you that if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed in your transition, go ahead and tune

I want to encourage you that if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed in your transition, go ahead and tune into Him. Trust me, when I did it was much better than just numbing my mind with reading articles or food. Plus those things didn’t take away the stress, but He did!

Another key that I’ve been pondering on is about character development. It seems so important as we transition that we also grow in Christ-like character. If we are going from glory to glory as the bible states, could you imagine not growing in His character? It would seem strange, wouldn’t it? So, I’ve been asking for anything in my character that does not reflect Him to be made known to me. Once I know what doesn’t look like Him then I can begin to change it. It’s actually a transition within a transition if you think about it. Transitioning in character as you transition in life.

So what is Jesus’ character like? The Bible states that He is truth and He is love. 1 Corinthians 13 states all the things that love is. So He must also be patient, kind and humble just to name a few. What amazing characteristics we have to grow in! Do you feel like you could grow in any of those? I know I need to! But imagine what you look like as you grow in those characteristics. Imagine how amazing it would be to be kind as He is kind and how that would affect others you get to influence. Imagine just being kind because He is and the smiles and joy that it would bring to others. Their smiles and joy. That alone is worth so much. It is worth taking the unkind things in my heart and letting Him touch them and make me kinder.

So let’s take joy in the transition! Let’s tune into God and look like Jesus looks!

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 5:1-2 NASB

Written by:  Liz Livingston

Published on 8/15/2017

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