Power in Transition

Everybody transitions in and out of seasons. Some seasons can involve multiple transitions in different areas of life.

In the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verses one to eight (KJV) it says-

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

There is a time for everything – meaning that during our lifetime we will transition through many different seasons. Transitions, though not always easy, are a necessary part of life. And if done well, there can be great power in transition.

Transitions provide us with great opportunities to reflect, on things we may do differently in the next season but also on things we would repeat if given the opportunity. But, no matter what has transpired in the last season, God uses all things for good.

There’s great power in transition because transitions take time

Shortly after I had given birth to our son, we relocated cities. I had gone from a highly successful and well-paying job to raising our son as I stayed volunteering in church. During this season, I remembered back to before I was pregnant when a nurse said to me that often when career women have children, even though they have had this incredible gain in having a child, they can also sense a great loss. When she had said this, I was shocked as I couldn’t wrap my head around it. However, four months into parenthood I experienced not so much a sense of loss but more of an identity shift. Fortunately, however I had the time to adjust and chose to make the most of the season that I was gifted with.

Time allows you to regain strength and confidence

Not many people walk into transitions thinking—now what can I learn from this season of transition in my life? But I believe with every transition, time can allow you to strengthen and become even more confident of your calling and your specific God given purpose. This then provides a great opportunity to refocus, align and channel your strengths and talents. Plus, you are able to create stronger and healthier boundaries to reflect this shift of focus.

Strength and confidence creates a Godly boldness

The Oxford dictionary describes boldness as a willingness to take risks and act innovatively; confidence or courage. I believe God wants us to have a Godly boldness about us, to take risks and act innovatively! With each transition, we should become more aware and bolder in our pursuits. Proverbs Chapter 28, verse one says that the wicked flee but no one pursues but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

This boldness within you will only ever increase your influence

God actually wants to give us greater influence in our spheres of work, home life, communities, ministries. Isaiah writes in the book of Isaiah Chapter 54, verse two “Enlarge the site of your tent, stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, do not hold back.” God wants us to press on, not retreat.

With each transition lies great power that can be used for good if we simply allow it to shape us and not hinder us.

Elise Pappas is a Pastor and together with her husband pastor a church on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. They have a son, Jonathan and a daughter, Sophie. Elise is a former clinical drug trial research coordinator and business owner. She writes about life and ministry experiences.