Over the past
year, and especially the last few months, life has changed. Transition in phases
of life is happening. A new season of life moves forward. The next chapter is
beginning.
There are beginnings…. the family grows; a new direction appears; new relationships form; new rhythms are established.
Changes and
challenges come together.
What kind of
transition is happening in your life? I posted this question and answers poured
in:
· Starting a new job;
· Graduated and don’t know what I really want to do – so many applications and interviews but having a hard time getting a call back;
· Returning to being the person God fearfully and wonderfully made me to be;
· Just purchased a new home and the move is crazy-new city, new schools, new job, new everything;
· Still getting used to life without my husband – it’s not just the loss but navigating life;
· Adjusting to being a working mom;
· Having a body that is letting me down – a challenging diagnosis;
· Trying to navigate the dynamics of a blended family;
· Settling parent’s estate realizing I’m an orphan;
· Still mourning the loss of my pup, he was a faithful companion;
· Trying to find a way to calm conflict with my kids – our family has changed;
· Recovering from a stroke and relearning how to just do life;
· Realized I don’t really have friends – making and keeping friends shouldn’t be this hard at this stage of life- the loneliness can be overwhelming.
Change in life is constant, a progression of our life journey that sometimes catches one off guard. Standing Still upon transition, looking the next chapter I realized that there is a hesitancy to start turning pages. The last chapter held many joys and sorrows; had a vast array of interesting, amazing, humbling, and very dear people; provided the opportunity to be a blessing and to be blessed by others; was a time in which I lost a bit of myself; affected the core of who I am; and quite honestly it was exhausting by the end. Beginning this next chapter and stepping into the unknown of this transition comes with many feelings—hesitation, uncertainty, excitement, anticipation…. perhaps a little anxiety.
Have you ever experienced hesitancy in the transition you are facing —you start, then pause, start, then pause—uncertain of what’s next yet so ready to move on and begin?
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it will spring forth. Do you not perceive it? I will make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19)
The Father is saying, “My child, turn you attention to what is before you and take action. I Myself, the One who intentionally created you; the One who placed the stars and made all things; the One who has been steadfast and faithful; the One who quieted the storm; the One who has kept all His promises; the One who gives blessed assurance – will provide for you what I have appointed. It’s starting now – no waiting. It is sprouting and will grow. Be aware. Acknowledge things are changing and know I’m doing something fresh, to renew. It will be different and better than where you have been. Looking at all that is unfolding, know I will make a path through the chaos, the anxiety, and the uncertainty. In the midst of this, I am providing for you.”
Perhaps the Father is whispering to you in the midst of transition. In the midst of your transition or circumstance, may you begin to perceive the new thing the Father is doing for you, in you and through you. May you find assurance and strength as the ‘road in the wilderness’ is laid before you. May you trust in the Father’s faithfulness as He provides all you need as you begin this new chapter and throughout. And may you rest and abide in His love.
So do not
fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah
41:10)
