Life is Full of Changes

Life is full of changes, is it not? The transitions we face can be exciting and something we are looking forward to. On the other hand, we may be walking through a difficult transition that we didn’t expect. Regardless of the type of changes we face, we are certainly not alone as we walk through them.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) – 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 your paths straight.

God will direct our paths on those days when we are not sure how to navigate the highway. He’ll help us get around the obstacles in our way. If we stay connected to Him, we are going to learn and grow during our transition time. We’ll come out on the other side wiser and stronger, able to reach back and help those behind us. To do this, we need to turn to prayer and the truths we’ll find in the Bible. 

Are you in a time of transition? Here are some Biblical truths that may help you. 

God Never Changes

When things are changing all around you, remember that God never changes.

James 1:17 (NIV) – Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Hebrews 13:8 (NASB) – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NASB) Click To Tweet

The Lord will Lead Us

When we are unsure of where to go, remember that the Lord will guide our steps. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB) – 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 your paths straight.

Proverbs 16:9 (NASB) – The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

When we are unsure of where to go, remember that the Lord will guide our steps. Click To Tweet

We Can Be Thankful

A time of transition can be the pathway to arrive in a place He has already designed for us ahead of time. The verses below remind us that the Lord is with us and that He has plans and purposes for each one of us.

Jeremiah 1:9 (ESV) – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV) – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

A time of transition can be the pathway to arrive in a place God has already designed for us ahead of time. Click To Tweet

Ask the Hard Questions

Sometimes, even as we read and study verses like the ones above, we still find ourselves struggling during transition and we don’t really know why. In this case we should ask ourselves the hard questions. 

    Do I have unrealistic expectations? 

Unrealistic expectations can really affect our ability to trust God and have peace during times of transition. If we are expecting too much of ourselves or the others around us, we can experience disappointment. 

If you are feeling frustration and disappointment during transition, it may help to write a list of your expectations about your situation. Looking at your list in writing may help you sort through what is realistic and what is not realistic based on your circumstances. 

When looking at this list, it’s important to ask yourself what you can control and what you can’t. Most often we forget that we can only work on our own stuff. We can’t control others, and that is not our responsibility. God will take care of that other person. We should be focusing on ourselves and the inner changes that the Lord would desire for us. The Holy Spirit will reveal what needs to take place inside us and this will make a world of difference. 

 During difficult transitions, ask the Lord to guide your thoughts and reveal the truth to you and then be willing to receive it, even if it is not what you wanted to hear. 

    Am I trusting the Lord or am I focusing on my own ideas and my own timing? 

There are many reasons we may find it difficult to really trust the Lord in certain situations. Perhaps we have trouble asking that God’s will be done in our lives. We should ask ourselves if we are being patient and waiting for God’s timing. Perhaps we should look at our expectations as we discussed above. 

Ask the Lord to reveal to you any areas where you may not be fully trusting in Him. Then ask Him to help you in these areas. Find verses such as Proverbs 3:5-6 that you can repeat and pray daily to help solidify the truth that when you trust Him, He will direct your paths.

    Am I taking one day at a time? 

Often during transition, we want to rush ahead and get to the solution without taking time for all that needs to happen between where we are now and where we would like to be. When we slow down and take things one step at a time, we leave room for the Lord to do His work inside us. 

Consider clearing something off of your calendar so that you have more time to actually walk through your circumstances in a thoughtful and receptive manner. When there is less to do, and you spend that extra time wisely, you will be better able to receive what the Lord has available for you. It’s not always easy stuff, but the rewards are great.        

    Am I remembering His promises? 

When we are in the situation, it is easy to loose sight of the promises of God. We get pulled down my discouragement. We experience those buffeting spiritual battles because Satan wants to defeat us and keep us from moving forward. Sometimes all that is left is to cling to the promises of God. 

Find Bible verses that you can write out and keep in a place where you will see them often. Highlight them in your Bible, write them out on cards, carry them with you in your purse and read them on the go. Reading these verses helps us see the possibilities and keeps our eyes off the pain of our current situation. 

God Loves Us Deeply

We have a God who loves us so much. He sent His only son, Jesus, to walk beside us through a transition. He has experienced every deep emotion that you may be experiencing. Remember, you are not alone! 

Reflecting on and praying the verses above in combination with asking the hard questions can help you find peace and rest during the whirlwind that transition can often bring into life.

A Prayer During Transition

Lord, we praise You for Your unchanging love. You sent Jesus to us, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We thank You for walking beside us wherever we go, leading us into Your plans and purposes for us. We ask you to help us see the things that we need to be set free from so that we can continue to move ahead during seasons of change. Help us ask the hard questions and open up to the changes You want to make inside of us. Help us to always remember how deeply You love us and how faithful You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

 

 

*This post may be linked in the following places. Click through to find more hope and encouragement!  Cheerleaders of Faith / Sitting Among Friends / Moments of Hope / Salt and Light / Heart Encouragement Thursday / Fresh Market Friday / Faith and Friends  / Grace and Truth