Transitioning

You may have heard of the classic book for parents dealing with first time pregnancies called, “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel. The book is like a safety net of information for those who are experiencing the miracle of new life. It is the kind of book that attempts to extract levels of mystery for those expecting a child with the straightforward theme of “here’s what’s going to happen over the next nine months and beyond.”


It would be great if there was a book that helped me in this season of transition, the title could remain “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”- as I am waiting in expectation for what God will do…. Although the content may be vastly different from the above! If there was a book or a middle of the night infomercial on “What To Expect When You Face A Ministry Transition” I would buy it and pay for next day shipping because I want to know what to expect next.


Whether it’s the birth of a baby or the birth of any new transition most people would like to know what to expect down the road when a change in life begins to unfold. This transition for me from Ministry into Mission is no different and for that reason knowing what to do next becomes premium information.


Transitions are an excellent time to see God unfold His plans and do the unexpected. God doesn’t wear a watch so winding up an egg timer on Him to come through on your terms will probably prove to be futile. God has a unique curriculum to prepare His servants for the battles that lie ahead in life. It’s called patience. Waiting on God develops our patience and waiting is never a waste of time. The Bible is full of people who had to wait on God, so we should not expect a free pass. Being patient (still) in your spirit before God when everything in you screams for an answer now, is a step in His direction. At this very second God is lining up circumstances and people on your behalf to position you strategically in a place where you can make the most damage against the kingdom of darkness.


I find it comforting to know that whenever I wait on God He waits with me. I don’t have a picture of God dropping me off in a vacant field of isolation and confusion while I wait for what He has next. Instead, I have developed a picture of my Lord comforting me with His presence, speaking to me through the pages of Scripture, and offering me His shoulder to lean on when the transition seems to be taking longer than I had expected.


I am not waiting alone and neither are you. That’s a promise. It’s true because we have His Word on it.