Transitions

We can strongly relate to this description of going through a period of transition. In many respects, It seems to be a very accurate description of the journey we have been on recent years. Its from a book called 'Stuck', written by Terry Walling and based on the leadership development research of Dr. J. Robert Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary.

 "Kingdom influence is the by-product of men and women who allow God to do a deeper work in their lives."  

"Transitions are characterized by a prolonged period of restlessness, self-doubt, lack of motivation, job stagnation, diminished confidence, lack of direction, distance from God, isolation, relational conflict and tension, lack of effectiveness, and struggle to stay focused and motivated."  "Transitions are more about character development than job description.  In a transition, God turns a searchlight onto the heart." 

Transitions often bring clarity of self-definition (who I am), role (my contribution) and new paradigms (presuppositions and worldview).

"God uses transitions to better align people's lives to his purposes." 

"Every phase of one's development has purpose.  Failing to process the challenges and implications of each phase can mean moving to the next phase with unfinished business." 

Remember the children's song, Deep and Wide?  "The width of one's influence with Jesus is in direct proportion of the depth of one's intimacy with God.  Transitions take a life deep, so the result of a life and its influence can go wide."

Pain à Intimacy à Power à Influence

The entry stage of a transition is often characterized by emotions of restlessness, confusion, self-doubt, and isolation as well as relational trauma and a consistent lack of energy." 

The evaluation stage may include rehearsing past struggles, confronting issues of wounding, consolidating lessons, deepening convictions and challenging life assumptions. 

The alignment stage is surrendering to God's agenda.  It brings one to be more pliable, teachable, open-minded and openhearted to change.  

In the direction stage destiny experiences begin to occur as God reveals new direction.  The end of transition brings one to a crossroad of faith, a challenge to step out in obedience.  

"Breakthrough, and the end of a transition, often comes at unexpected moments."  Destiny moments are special experiences or events that reveal insight into where God is leading you. There may be a series of preliminary insights and then an 'aha' moment where you know you have heard from God.  God may use destiny moments to endorse a commitment or decision, affirm a paradigm shift or affirm a new course of direction or opportunity.  (51)  God's plan begins to unfold. 

Destiny moments build faith to meet the challenge of a new step.  "In the end, every transition also brings on a challenge to one's ability to trust God." 

We are still waiting patiently for breakthrough!