The Path of Transition

In my daily life, so many people have been talking about transitions, and we understand that they can be hard.  Really, transition is another word for change, and everyone knows change is difficult.  Personally, I chose to leave my current employer to take another job, but in quick succession the 30 year term of our band director ended in retirement, president of the booster club is passing the baton, the church is seeking a new pastor, and my best friend is no longer able to meet where we had for years.  There are days that it seems my whole life is flipped upside down.

     But God . . .(Don’t you love to read those words in the Bible?). . .reminds me to focus on the things that don’t change.  God is still in control, and is guiding the path forward in each area of life.  He is the true leader of our church, and is preparing our next pastor to take on the mantle.  We have several positions in the church which have not changed, and many others stepping out to exercise their talents further.  God has gifted me with abilities to analyze large amounts of information which will continue to be useful in my new position.  God has given me love for music, and a deep seated conviction that the arts are important in our community and schools to drive me forward.  Most importantly the gospel has not changed.  God loves us and has provided an atonement for us through Christ, that is sufficient to cover all our sins (even the unknown future ones) if we accept and believe his sacrifice on the cross.  Hebrews 3:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Amen! (John Piper had an excellent article - https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/jesus-christ-is-the-same-yesterday-and-today-and-forever

Psalm 119:35 (NKJV) Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. - Proverbs 4:11 (NKJV) I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. - Isaiah 2:3 (ESV) and many peoples shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Hebrews 4:8 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things

     I like the verse from Isaiah, for the reminder that the law and Word of the Lord will go forth, from his people.  How will we do that? We must individually decide that we will contribute our talents to the efforts of the church, Christ’s bride.  Then as a church, we pray for direction from God our father, inspiration from the Holy Spirit, and we work to glorify Christ. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.                                               

Endure on, Jesus is With You

“My soul longs, yes, even faints.  For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” Psalms 84:2 - “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” Colossians 3:23 “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Revalation 2:3-4

My heart is confused right now, as I am sure many people could say similar things.  I know that in the future the things I worry about now will be solved and God will have His name lifted high.  I also know there are some solid steps that can be taken to proceed, but currently I don’t really want to take them.  Taking the steps to move forward is walking into unknown territory, and walking away from the familiar.  There are many things I want to change about the current times, but I have come to understand the daily tension and have developed coping mechanisms to deal with it. I hesitate to take these steps forward because I do not know what tomorrow brings.

    As always we get our guidance of Jesus, our constant example. 

    Take time away – We don’t have to stay in public view constantly.  Jesus would withdraw to pray (Matthew 26:36), he took time to rest (Matthew 8:24), and would seek refuge with his friends (John 12:2).  God gives us friends and neighbors for the hard times in life. 

    Realize we’re not alone – Jesus turned to God first in his prayers, then He spoke with his disciples, even to let them know his feelings.  Since we are all experiencing this change together, we must seek solace for ourselves, while simultaneously being there for one another.  Let us be faithful to encourage one another to good works and deeds. (Hebrews 10:24).

     Look to God for strength – While Jesus prayed for his path to change, he trusted God’s plan and direction.  Jesus had known the plan of salvation from the beginning of time and man’s fall.  Yet as the time approached He had fear to the point his body’s tension excreted blood.  Once Jesus made his supplication, He followed the Father’s will perfectly.  God has given us His promises and His commission for our service.  Those haven’t changed, and can be the solid foundation for security and strength. 

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.

Habakkuk 3:16a, 18-19  I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. … yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.