Transition is defined as a “passage from one state, stage, subject or place to another.” We all face periods of transitions in our lives. There are those transitions in our personal lives—graduating from school, moving to a new city, changing jobs, etc. There are those transitions in our marriages and families—getting married, having children, dealing with death, etc. There are those transitions in our congregations—a new building, a new preacher, death of an elder, adjustments in the youth program, etc. So, how do we handle transitions?
In our personal lives, in our families and in our congregation, the family at Palm Beach Lakes is getting ready to go through a transition together. After two wonderful years, Casey and Hannah Haynes are leaving us and moving to work with the church in Moore, Oklahoma. We are going to miss them terribly. They will be going through a transition. We will be going through a transition. So, how do we handle transitions? Let’s take some pointers from transitions in the Bible.
After leading the Israelites for forty years, Moses would not be leading them (or even going with them) into the Promised Land. Israel now had a new leader in Joshua—a time of transition for Israel and for Joshua. Consider God’s words in your times of transition: “The Lord will…The Lord will…Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God…goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you…The Lord goes before you” (Deut. 31:4-8). In other words, God is in control, put your trust in Him!
After achieving his own level of greatness and having his own “disciples,” it was time for John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, to step to the side—a time of transition. Consider John’s words in your times of transition: “This joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He…is above all…He who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:29-31). In other words, Jesus is greater than all, put your trust in Him!
After spending the second half of his life as one who “labored more abundantly than” the other apostles (1 Cor. 15:10), Paul was nearing the end of his days. In his last known letter, from a preacher to a preacher, Paul gave Timothy some final instructions—a time of transition. Consider Paul’s words in your times of transition: “God is able…The Lord knows…[Be] useful for the Master, prepared for every good work…All forsook me…But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Tim. 1:12; 2:19, 21; 4:16-17). In other words, God is right beside you, put your trust in Him!
Transitions can be rough, but God smoothes the way!