Transitions, #2
tran·si·tion | noun | a passage, movement, or development from one state, place, or style to another
Last week, at the end of Patterns Changed, I wrote that God has wonderful, trustworthy plans for us to discover. A change in patterns open paths that we may have never considered.
The grief that follows the loss of a familiar pattern, is valid and necessary. A mourning period is natural, cathartic, healthy. But it is a period—a cycle with an end. Often it’s hard to imagine what fresh thing can fill the new void in our heart, our mind, our days. And if we are able to peek down the road, we may feel intimidated. The unknown is not frightening when we know we don’t face it alone.
Ephesians 2:10 assures us God has prepared works for us to do before we even show up. And if He prepared them, He’s there to walk through them with us. Broken patterns present us with open paths.
New beginnings, ventures, discoveries, relationships, challenges—opportunities for us to stretch and grow, expand our horizons, flex new muscles, test unused gifts.
Has a door closed, a detour popped up, a change been imposed? Walk down a new path with the One who’s already prepared the way.
- So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 41:10
- It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. 31:8
- For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Uncertain ground—barren, dormant, complacent. Ground that bores us, but sucks us in to its lethargic state. Unexciting and inactive, it is the place where vision fades and apathy takes root. Dead ground, dangerous ground, unproductive ground, forbidden ground.
It’s hard to walk one direction while looking another—just try striding ahead while looking behind you or walking a straight line while gazing to the right. It’s natural for our feet to follow our eyes, physically and in our journey through life. This is why it’s really important to focus on the direction in which we want to move.
We set out on the journey to hope from common ground—our lives are mutually pocked with pits and scars, unpleasant memories and devastated dreams. Our brokenness marks us, whether it comes from shattered promises, damaged relationships, splintered plans, threatening health, or challenging finances. Whatever our unique challenges may be, we are rendered vulnerable and our hope is assaulted.