Transition in Turbulent Times

When a person or group realizes that stagnation has crept in, or is creeping in, then it is time to prepare for a better future. Progress requires transition in order to stay contemporary, vibrant and alive. Transition signifies that change is coming. Transition should be a time of planning and preparation, looking into the future to help us realize our potential. That preparation should include laying a foundation for things to come.

Some transitions happen because of unexpected events. Tragedy, crisis and loss can lead to unplanned change. It can also interrupt planned transition. These unexpected events immediately send us into survival mode to save our community. We look for the best solutions to survive. There is a double whammy when an unplanned transition pops up in the middle of a planned transition. I call this “Transition in Turbulent Times.”

Transition in turbulent times in my opinion is a three step process.

1. Transition can take place in the midst of trouble. As I write this article the world is in trouble due to the COVID-19 virus. This pandemic pushes us into a turbulent time. When trouble rises we should call, lean, and depend on the Lord. This is the time to seek His comfort, compassion and counsel. Christians believe that we have a friend, Savior and helper in Jesus Christ. Our Savior can rescue us from trouble.
2. Transition may find us in trial. Coming out of trouble may take us to a trial process. A trial is a process for a future unknown outcome. Most of us are familiar with a jury trial. The outcome of the trial can be unpredictable. We must accept the verdict even when it is not in our favor. When God allows our faith to go on trial and hope tested, we must learn to trust God to deliver us from a time of trouble as we accept His verdict.
3. Transition is the road to triumph. Trial is the bridge from trouble to triumph. Triumph is the victory road to help us win in the end. It is the end result of our planning and preparation. It is a witness that we have endured trouble, encountered trial and now enjoy a triumph. Triumph is not about us but the hand of God who intervened and brought us the victory. Trusting the Lord is the pathway to triumph.

Transition in turbulent times is dependent on the mercy, grace and help of the Lord. This should remind us that all of our help comes from the Lord. Since our success and victory is in God’s hand, let us trust Him and depend on Him.

Pastor Michael