Transition Time

Do you find yourself somewhere between the person you want to be, and the person you used to be? Transition is a difficult place at times. It is not completely one, nor has it totally left the other behind. We find ourselves occasionally showing less than we want of what we are striving for, and more than we prefer of what we are leaving behind.

If you travel a long distance, you generally find that the people around you are somehow different. They may look different, or not, but they will speak different, act different, eat different, dress different. You may feel out of place, as though you don't fit and don't belong.

One thing to remember: if you are seeing the differences -- you have arrived at your destination. If you were not seeing distinctions, you would not be in new territory. It does take time to learn a new culture, a new way of thinking, to become accustomed to a new way of eating and speaking. But that newness would not be available if you had not left the old behind.

God makes us citizens of His kingdom when He plants that new seed in our hearts at the moment of our spiritual new birth. Just as the Israelites crossed Jordan into the promised land, so we arrive at the place God's promises are found. From that point on, the work begins. Crossing to the other side, arriving at our destination, being changed in a moment's time is the quick part. Growing into the potential, walking out the promises, conquering the land is the rest of the story.

The sweat and the tears will flow; that is normal. Fear and doubt will show up; that is expected. God will supply what we need as we need it; that is the joyful miracle of His promises. He strengthens us as we work at what He has given us. He wipes our tears as we turn to Him. His love casts out the fear, and as we walk with Him in the light He gives us, doubt melts away as the truth of God's word builds our faith and trust.

God sees us as we will be, never forgetting we are still growing, but speaking words of encouragement and support that draw us and lift us into continued, upward steps toward Him. He reaches into us and draws forth what we never knew we had, as He reveals to us and to others the form His life within us has taken. When shared, it gives life to those who are spiritually dying, nourishment to those who are hungry for more of God, and refreshment to those who are laboring in the harvest field. Don't hold back, but give abundantly for you know the King whose abundance you share.

Psalms 25
v.3 No one whose hope is in You will ever be put to shame
v.5 guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.
v.9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
v.10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant.
v.14 The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.

Father, thank You for the words of life You speak into our hearts. Thank You for Your Spirit that helps us assimilate the culture of Your kingdom. As we follow the pilgrim way You have set us on, we learn of You from each other and magnify You with one another. We thank You for each step we take further from where we started, and we bless You for the strength to travel closer to You each day.

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