| | | | | Dear Jill, Happy New Year! This year, in fact this decade, is only five days old but so much has already happened. It is a season of transition. Covenant has been approached by a "national" ministry to partner or merge. Zach, our son, chose to attend Azusa Pacific University just yesterday; and, the Tanzanian foster care project has started and we are only "5" days into the year ...Transitions! The Merriam Webster Dictionary describes transition as: "passage from one state, stage, subject, or place to another". Transitions happen in families, in relationships, at work or school, and in our personal lives. Spiritually, transitions occur when God moves us from one "level" or position to another. Transitions are an important part of the life cycle. Transitions are different than change. Transitions move us forward and along God's path or plan for our lives. Change can move us along God's plan but change can also distract us from God's plan. A young boy transitions over time into a man. Immediate change from boyhood to manhood doesn't happen. We crawl, we walk, we run ... we transition ... this is life. | | |
| Jesus baptized, filled, tempted ... tried, tested and triumphant! 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. ~ Mark 1:9-13 ~ |
| Allowing God to Guide the Transitions God is the "author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). As such, God is the author and finisher of our transitions. As the "author" we should be checking in with Him for the story, the plot, the characters and wisdom in the transition. Remember, we are transformed people continually in the process of transition. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that as followers of God it is part of the life plan to be "transitioned" into His likeness. In Mark 1, Jesus transitions from "Jesus of Nazareth" to Jesus the Son of God, filled with God's Spirit and tempted by Satan. Jesus moved from one state, place or position to another. Jesus did not change but He did transition. He was always God's Son but the transition completed the plan. What is God's plan for you this week? This month? This year? This decade? Where will God take you as part of His plan for your life? What transitions will you go through? If you are like me you can see some of the areas of transition that await yet others remain uncertain. Don't worry ... this is normal. This is why life is a life of faith. We don't live by sight but by faith. Still, our encouragement is great for "the one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24). This year, don't fret or worry about transitions. Enjoy them! God is changing you through the process and molding you into His image and likeness. The transition is your gateway to a brighter future touched by God's grace, power and peace. Your role is to seek God's wisdom in the transitions and execute as He instructs. Don't get stuck in a rut or rot but move forward! Walk in your destiny as you make the passages of life through Jesus! |
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