Friday, June 12, 2015

The Challenge of Transition

After former professional athlete Chris Sanders suffered a career-ending injury, he told a group of military veterans that although he had never experienced combat, "I understand the pressures of transitions."

Whether it's the loss of a job, the loss of a marriage, a serious illness, the loss of a loved one or a financial setback, every major change brings challenges. The former athlete told the soldiers that the key to success, when you are transitioning into a new way of living, is to reach out and get help.

The book of Joshua is recommended reading whenever we find ourselves in transition. After 40 years of wandering and setbacks, God's people were poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses, their great leader, had died and Joshua, his assistant was now in charge.  Needless to say, Joshua was just as unsure as the Children of Israel.

God spoke to Joshua in Joshua 1:6-11:
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’”
God told Joshua to "Be Strong and Courageous", these words might seem simple but this statement was powerful. God's words of direction were to be the foundation of Joshua's leadership in every situation. Moses had led the people through the wilderness, a time of discovery of who they were and to whom they belonged. God proved himself time and time again in the wilderness, even though they complained. However, now a transition was taking place. It was time for the Children of Israel to grow up, if you will. They were to start to take ownership of their destiny. To claim what God said was theirs and Joshua would lead them.

The Lord's charge and promise to Joshua apply to us as well: "Be Strong and courageous". read the verses again. In those 5 verses, God says, "Be strong and courageous" 3 times. that is no mistake. God knows that what you are facing in this transition may shake you up. It's something you have not experienced before, however, God is with you. 

Okay, last thing, God told Joshua:

1. "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them." God confirmed Joshua was the right one for the Job. 

2. "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you?" God then reaffirmed that he had been trained well for the position and not to forsake what he had been taught. Our success comes from everything we have triumphed over and what has been instilled in us. 

3. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” God then says that Joshua need not be afraid because he is with him no matter what comes his way.

God is with us in the transitions of life. The good, the bad, the ugly and the indifferent. He will never leave us nor forsake. Take comfort in knowing God has your back.

Now tell me about a time you had to: transition, change, elevate, evolve. Was God with you? 


You are Bound No More.

Pastor Linda Hillman
Booklindahillman@gmail.com

Get Your Copy Now
Will You Be Made Whole
In The Meantime

No comments:

Post a Comment