Transition...the most uncertain, challenging, stretching, painful, “give-me-an-epidural-and-no-one-gets-hurt” moments a mom experiences just before birth.
Life transitions are kind of the same. Ever been in a transition? Ever sensed change? Ever felt like God was leading you into some new territories? Are you feeling stretched, challenged and uncertain of what’s ahead?
Maybe it’s your first child going off to college, moving to a new city or neighborhood, the death of a loved one, a recent divorce, a blended family, a new job, promotion, business or ministry. Transitions are a huge part of our lives and very few of us have ever had a “Surviving Transitions” class. So, let’s talk about it.
Change. If you’re experiencing transition, it’s a good sign. Something new is on the horizon. Isaiah described it, “Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it?” There’s about to be a birth! Maybe you’ve been pregnant and didn’t know it!
It’s true. Once a woman has conceived, it’s official! Something is growing inside of her. During the growth phases of pregnancy many vital things are happening internally and she is the only who really feels it. Eventually it becomes obvious to onlookers that this lady is pregnant.
When the baby’s arrival time nears those first labor pains are felt and timed. Contractions intensify until full blown labor is in gear. The controlled breathing begins (in theory) and then it happens – TRANSITION hits! This is the intense phase of labor and the most painful, active and uncomfortable stage – just before delivery. This is when we get weary, tired and tempted to quit. At this point, many wives want to strangle their husbands; and most husbands find out the birthing classes were a waste of time.
It’s the same thing in life. When we’re in a new season and God won’t let us settle for “same old, same old”; He plants something in us – a dream, vision, desire, challenge, mission, mandate or a calling.
It’s official; we’re pregnant! What started as a seed, an idea, desire or thought begins to grow inside of us. We see what could be; what should be; what must be! Sometimes this “pregnancy” process takes months; sometime years and depending upon the “size” of the baby it can take decades to gestate. Right before transition, we sense urgency, intensity and often a grace change.
As the “birth” of God’s promises, dreams and visions near fulfillment, we enter that painful, active, uncomfortable season of transition and we often seek a divine epidural. We may become weary, tired or discouraged. We will be tempted to bail and be mad at God. Transition is like that. If we will hang on and push through the pain – great joy is on the horizon! The birth is certain.
So, what’s a girl to do in the midst of transition? Don’t quit. Stay focused! Breathe. Look ahead to the joy set before you! Listen to your Coach. Fix your eyes on the promises of God. Pray. See with the eyes of faith. Trust God during times of transition; He’ll walk and talk you through to complete delivery! New things will spring forth; promises will be fulfilled; dreams will be realized... And then...the REAL FUN BEGINS!!!
Beth
