Increasingly, I find myself on a navigating this the tightrope that is adulthood and adulting. As a type A personality, one of the lessons God is constantly teaching me is how to operate from the location called REST.
Recently, I was contemplating life as I usually do and I was thinking about how in my relatively short life, God has led me through various transitional seasons. The beauty of a God led life is that these lessons have become a toolkit through which I now help others.
Today, I wanted to share with you some steps that will help you in navigating transitions successfully.
Navigating Transitions: A Journey of Faith and Patience
Transitions can be some of the most challenging periods in our lives. The urge to figure everything out immediately can lead to immense frustration. During these times, our minds are scattered, unable to decipher the signals we receive. Anxiety levels soar, and we find ourselves pleading with God, desperately seeking direction: “Father, please, please, please tell me what you want me to do next.”
This frustration often stems from uncertainty. We are unsure if God is speaking to us or if we are merely hearing our own thoughts. Deciphering the signals becomes a daunting task. The Bible provides insight into handling such transitions. Take Elijah, for example. After experiencing miraculous events and consecutive testimonies, he faced a threatening situation that forced him into a transition period.
Elijah’s wilderness experience became a bridge between his past achievements and his future assignments. Initially, he was a prophet, but after his time in the wilderness, he emerged as a kingmaker, receiving clear instructions from God on who to anoint next. This period allowed Elijah to release old mindsets and embrace new revelations, such as realizing that he was not alone—7,000 others had remained faithful.
If you find yourself in a transition, here are practical steps to navigate through it:
Step 1: Pause and Reflect
Stop trying to figure everything out immediately. Consider taking a retreat if possible. Pray in tongues, quiet your spirit, and shift your focus from yourself to the Holy Spirit.
Step 2: Shift Your Focus
Turn your gaze from yourself to the Holy Spirit. Step back from pressing decisions that demand immediate answers. Remember, God is never in a hurry.
Step 3: Rest and Care for Yourself
Take a moment to rest. Write down your anxieties and fears, return to the Word, and allow yourself to sleep. Eating and self-care can be therapeutic.
Step 4: Unburden Yourself
Express your concerns to God. While you cannot question God, you can ask Him questions. Once you have offloaded the pain and confusion from the past season, you will be more receptive to hearing God’s still, small voice.
Step 5: Trust in God’s Timing
God is not pressured by time, and He does not want you to make decisions out of desperation. Pause and give your concerns back to Him. Ask for the next step.
Step 6: Take Small Steps
You might not receive a blueprint for the next five years, but you could get guidance for the next five days. Trust God in this place, taking small steps in faith.
Before you know it, you’ll find yourself in the middle of your promised land, unsure how you arrived but confident that you followed God one step at a time.
I hope this word of encouragement helps you navigate your transition.
Rooting for you,
Esther