Transitions

​For some, it takes place quickly and for others, it happens over a long period of time. For some, it’s foreseen and others have to adapt from its unexpected arrival. It’s diverse in the way it comes, but for all it’s a common part of life and along with it are challenges. I’m talking about transitions. 

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It happens when you move to another location, when you get a promotion or demotion or when a life event occurs (i.e. marriage, having a child, or death). The definition of transition is the movement or change from one position to another and it can be these subtle or dramatic movements that test us. So far, this year has been a year of transitions and I’ve felt almost every emotion.
Pressure and stress was squeezing me as my wife and I were looking for an apartment together. Unexplainable affectionate feelings were pulsing though me on my wedding day. It was bittersweet when my term ended as a campus missionary in Chicago. Excitement and nervousness paved the way as I started my new job. Joy and happiness overtook me when I found out I would be a father! What does one do with so many transitions in one year and also with more to come?
What if there were transition principals in our lives to help us for when changes happen? Would you keep these principals and use them if they helped the flow of transitions?

Here are four key things I’ve learned during times of transitions:
Prayer | Preparation | Patience | Trust the Process

The first key principal is to pray. With a thankful heart share your request with God. Talk to God about the transition that’s happening or the upcoming transition. Who better to chat with then the One who directs your steps?

• Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Secondly you must prepare for transition. If you know there’s some life event coming ahead or that you’ll be changing locations make the necessary preparations before the time.

•  Proverbs 6:6-8 – Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest

The third things to remember is to have patience during the process.

• Ecclesiastes 7:8 – Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Lastly we must trust the process, meaning we must trust in the Lord with all our heart. We may not understand everything about the transition, but trusting God’s process is the thing to do.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

I pray that these 4 simple yet needed principals can help you during your times of transition.