Living in Uncertain Times
Feb 01 in Just Follow ME
The past year has been a time of transition. What is transition? It is the period of time where you are changing from one state or condition to another.
I have three daughters, all grown up and each forging their own path through life. My role as a parent is transitioning from a ‘do this’ ‘what time will you be back?’ to being more of a prayerful observer who hopes can give a ‘rhema’ word in season to help them discern the right step ahead without being told. What is ‘rhema’? It is a quickened word. Quickened, meaning that it inspires, strengthens, refreshes, reinvigorates, stimulates, brings life! (we all know what the opposite is like, when someone says something that just leaves you deflated, without life). A new learning curve.
Transition can also mean there are things you need to get rid of and others you may need to pick up instead. When you transition from having a baby to having a toddler, the contents of your bag need to change. You get rid of nappies, dummies, bottles and instead double up on baby wipes, plasters and healthy snacks. The bottle goes, the sippy cup takes its place, a cuddly toy gets substituted for crayons and so on. In life we are constantly changing and hopefully growing and being able to embrace each stage of life is vitally important. A shifting requires movement. What do I need to let go of? What do I keep? What new thing do I embrace? New supplies are also needed for each new season.
Transition means new disciplines. When a prime minister takes up his/her new role, s/he knows there will be new schedules which will be imposed upon his/her day. Getting up early, late nights, being scrutinized by the media and by your peers, daily disciplines which cannot be ignored. As I transition into a new season, what new disciplines are important to implement into my daily life? This is not learnt in a day, or a week, but is a new lifestyle of new habits which I know are necessary for the next stage – as it may also be a time of preparation for something else.
A time of transition may be scary. When a child is born s/he needs to come forth out of the safety of the womb, but it is there that s/he will then learn to walk, run, bounce and experience both the good and bad of life. Another thing to consider; every new stage has new challenges, new dangers, new responsibilities, new joys and new horizons. A further opportunity to learn.
Transition requires timing, if you are like me, you will be excited to jump into the next adventure without hesitation (or preparation). Others, may prepare too much and forget to take the leap. The right timing is essential for a smooth transition, however readiness to act at His Word is paramount for success which in turn requires courage to face the unknown.
Transition therefore requires you to know to Whom you belong. If my life is hid in Christ, I have an anchor that will keep me still against the fiercest storm and a source that will provide for all my needs. His promises become the anchor of my soul, for He makes my way perfect, He will guide me along the best pathway for my life, will advise me and watch over me. He is the stability of my times, loves me with an everlasting love and has promised that He will never leave me nor forsake me. He makes a way where there is no way and is the Alpha and the Omega, knows the end from the beginning and is able to keep me in perfect peace as I put my trust in Him.
Transition requires I put one foot in front of the other and begin to tread unknown ground. But one thing I know, is that I do not walk that path alone. I hear Him say ‘Follow Me!’ as I place my hand in the safety of His, it is robust and firm and leads me confidently down … the Narrow Way.