Have you ever known that you were in transition? How do you know? Can you truly measure it or is it an intangible that can only be reflected on in completion. I wonder if the butterfly has any vision or foresight into what it will become when it is breaking out of the cocoon? Many times we go through transitions in our life that end up greatly defining who we are and yet in the midst of it all we fail to grasp the enormity of what is happening.
In my life, standing at the milestone of 30, it feels very much like a transition is taking place that will define the rest of my life and the next 10 years in particular. There are really 3 kinds of transitions in life: transitions of consequence (bad), transitions of decision (good, like getting saved), and transition of seasons. The type of transition that i feel in my life in this time is that of seasons. My youth, my training, and all that God has used to shape me is culminating into the explosion of who God has called me to be. Over and over in my life the character Joseph comes to mind as he was placed in a position of govt. at 30 and ruled there until 110. His whole life was set by the course of that one transition. Here are some thoughts on managing transition:
1. Rest: don’t tear up the cocoon before you have become a butterfly! Allow the Lord to orchestrate your steps and don’t push anything that the Lord hasn’t blessed and confirmed in your life through spiritual authority.
2. Relax: realize that God is going to do something incredible that you don’t yet fully realize and must not strive to complete in the flesh.
3. Reassure: be reassured by the word of God and the HS. Don’t look for fleshly affirmation from people or things but allow the Lord to be your source of confidence.
4. Run: when you know that you have come into a new season of God’s favor don’t be hesitant to embrace it and run with the fullness of your strength.
This word coming from my heart could be for a high school student entering the world or a minister in pursuit of God’s next assignment. All of us go through transition. Be encouraged my friend and excited in the good things God has planned for you! Jer. 29:11
Great Word Joel. Transition is unavoidable, but having it defined and preparation made makes all the difference from us going into the next position exhausted and timid or rejuvenated and on fire.
Can’t wait to see what God has in store as you take your seat into this new transition.
I love you man,
Beemer
Thanks Pastor Joel. Not only do I enjoy your blogs, but this was was great for my transition that I have stepped into. This was perfect timing for where I am, and it brings clarity to what I am feeling and doing. I miss you all back home in BR, but I’m excited for the new season God has placed me in, and the transition that I’m going through. Thanks again.
I needed to hear that. Gracias hermano Joel.
You and your ministry are a great inspiration.
I’m a youth pastor and am working in the vision as well.
Thanks Pastor Joel. This is great advice for anyone entering a new stage in life. I wonder if people in the ministry know how difficult it is to understand & walk out the 1st 3 R’s. Or does the Lord allow newbies to believe what is always difficult will become more natural to keep sunshine seekers under the cloud. I think the trips to the beach at this crucial junction in young lives shows well an ardent determination to save souls. It’s exciting to see what will happen this summer & future summers as you’re transitioning into a new season in your ministry. 220 Boxes all over the nation or globe? Building donations? Who knows but undoubtedly many lives will be saved & in turn save more.
Thanks again Pastor Joel!! This was an encouraging word for me this week! I have been struggling this week and wondering why…but I know now that I just need to relax!! I have been worried about trying to please man but I know now that man is just going to fail me and God will never fail me.
How great is the Love of God? How rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It will forever more endure the sands of time!
Again, Thank you Pastor Joel! You have encouraged me so much!!
That word is very encouraging – just what I needed to hear… I am definitely in transition! Thank you, Pastor Joel.
Scott.
Thanks for the excellent word Pastor. As a person who has been living in transition for the past 96 1/2 days I can say that you are right on the mark. Resting and relaxing sound easy but in actuality they are extremely difficult for a dynamic, enterprising, proactive person. It is encouraging words like this that help us stay the course.
Maximum, mega blessings to you!
that was for me.
thanks
Did I dare read that! Wow! A young lady at Bethany does art work for Bible covers. During the beach trip she did mine. When she asked me what I wanted drawn I told her, but to let the Spirit use her. He did! When I received it back she drew what I asked but in the shadow of the drawing was a butterfly(which i didn’t notice until I was out in the sun..THE SECOND DAY) When I asked her about it, she didn’t even realize she had done it. Simply Amazing because “Transition” and “Preparation” have been the words spoken over me since the beginning of this year! Pastor Joel, What an ON TIME WORD!
Thank you so much Pastor, God is great and in control. God knew I need to read this and there are NO coincidences for GOD.
This was for me, Thanks!!!
Pastor Joel, What an awesome word-
Awesome word Pastor Joel! It’s so hard to rest and relax sometimes when you sense you’re on the verge of a God size move. It is such a great comfort to know the plans that God has for us are of hope and a future. God Bless!!
Stephen C.
A Word in due season! thx
1st time I read your blog.
I’m at that 30 milestone as well!!
That was awesome Pastor Joel. Perfect word at a perfect time! Thanks!
Oh My Goodness! Pastor Joel this is nothing but the Holy Ghost!! Thank you SOOOOOO much.
Thanks Pastor Joel this was JUST for me: clarity.
As always, Just what I need to hear…the Holy Spirit is amazing.
Pastor Joel, I am young at heart and am have been in transition for quite some time. God thru the HS gave me several visions. I have tried to be obedient and follow God’s plans. Sometimes I could not hear the instructions because of the junk that had been recorded in my mind as well as the shots of pain from the past. I have gone on three “Freedom Weekends” and peeled off layers and deleted stuff off the disc of my mind. I am moving in God’s directions and it is awesome to see the provisions of God’s visions. I walk at the crosses sometimes to give thanks, peel off, pray, meditate, and get get more instructions. You are so right about relaxing and as a result surrendering to God!!! When the HS takes over, I do so much better in life. I am reassured and renewed. I was able to step into a spirit of BOLDNESS and start a program called, “Math 2 Music”. We are trying to reach children where they are. We want to raise the test scores in Louisiana. This summer we want to encourage children of all ages to create Math Rapps that can be used to increase math retention…..Sure could use your help….
I love listening to what the HS have for you to share with us. All of you at Bethany have been a God-send in my life. Thanks ever so much for walking the walk…
Your sista-in-christ,
Robin E. Lovely
(Phil 4:13 I can do all things thru CHRIST who strengthens me….)
Great thoughts Joel!
This resonates with me and many of my peers – all in that early 30′s transition.
Bless you mate – still hope to visit there sometime soon. Possibly Dec/Jan.
Artie