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.