Navigating Life's Transitions

Navigating Life’s Transitions

There may have been no more significant transition in history than the time period in Acts chapter one. The story begins with a 40 day period following the resurrection of Jesus in which he appears to the disciples. I imagine it was a wonderful time for them filled with much hope, a stark contrast to the despair that they had when he had been put to death on the cross. You see this in verse 7 when they ask, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" They still did not understand the plan that was unfolding before them. Jesus was preparing them for the time to come and soon after he was taken up to heaven. He had talked about this day before.

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.

- John 16:7

Yet, now the disciples were faced with the reality of the moment.

In our own lives we face many transitional seasons. It happens when a child becomes a parent, when an employee becomes the boss, when a team member becomes the captain, etc… I believe that the transitions of life are absolutely critical to our success. Our response to the uncertainty often defines the outcome of the new season. The question becomes what do I do when I’m called to take the place of the one I most admired? In those moments there is no one that I would more long to see. It’s the new parent whose child won’t stop crying. There’s no one they want more than their own mother or father. The natural reaction is to consider, ‘what did mom or dad do in these moments?’

I believe the Lord gives us some direction on how to approach these seasons of our life in Acts 1. Pastor Phillip Thorton describes the transition this way “Jesus came as the light of the world and then said ‘Tag! You’re it!’”

What did the disciples do? How did they respond?

The first response is that they obeyed the command that they had been given.

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with^" water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." ^{- Acts 1:4-5}

When the Lord directed me to come home after graduating from college, the natural circumstances were not always encouraging. Initially the job prospects looked dim, but I had a peace that this is what the Lord had called me to. Periodically, we have to remind ourselves of what and where the Lord has called us to. I knew that I was called to be at home. Later I was richly blessed by the Lord with a wonderful job, but it did not happen right away. In the same way, the Holy Spirit did not fall on the disciples on day one.

In Jerusalem the disciples joined together and they sought the Lord in prayer.

14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

We are often drawn to the comfort of isolation in times of transition, but would be wise to recognize the value of joining together with others particularly in prayer and worship. Invite the prayer support of friends in your times of uncertainty and seek their fellowship.

Additionally, nothing can take the place of seeking the Lord and hearing from Him. Be willing to wait. Perhaps nothing is more damaging than the inability to wait. King Saul’s impatience at the delay of the prophet Samuel brought his destruction, and so may our impetuousness.

Finally, we see that they were looking to the days ahead with hope. Bill Johnson says, “Any area of your life without hope is under the influence of a lie.” They were making plans, appointing another apostle, recognizing that the work must continue. They had turned their eyes from themselves and to the work ahead. In our transitions we must recognize that God’s plan continues. It may not look like you thought it would. The people you’re laboring with may be different. But the promise still stands and when the Holy Spirit falls you find yourself looking back and recognizing that God was in control. There’s an old chorus

Through it all, Through it all, I learned to trust in Jesus. I learned to trust in God. Through it all, Through it all, I learned to depend upon God’s word.

So I thank Him for the mountains and I thank Him for the valleys and I thank for all He’s brought me through. And in that lonely hour, that precious lonely hour, I realized what my God can do.

I pray that you would have faith to trust God through your transition.

- Pastor Woodly