Jonathan Munson, Executive Director
“In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the Lord had commanded him concerning them.” Deuteronomy 1:3
Transitions are an unavoidable part of life.
Sometimes, we choose the transition, like starting a new job or getting married. At other times, transitions choose us, like when a loved one dies or a spouse files for divorce.
Regardless, all transitions are unsettling to some degree because they force us to inhabit the ‘in-between.’ Life is changing. Things are not as they were, and at the same time, things are not as they will be. We’re caught in the messy middle of the unknown.
You see, transitions test our faith in a unique way. They cause us to let go of the faith that was sufficient for the past and embrace a deeper, more mature faith that will sustain us in the future.
This is anything but easy.
In the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites’ faith is tested by two major transitions:
1. Transition of location: From the wilderness to the Promised Land
2. Transition of leadership: From Moses to Joshua
I imagine these transitions stirred various emotions just as they would for us—everything from excitement and anticipation, to fear and uncertainty. Sure, the land of Canaan was filled with promise, but it was also filled with difficult challenges. And Joshua? He’s a qualified leader, but let’s be honest…he’s no Moses. I mean, those are some massive shoes to fill!
Before Moses officially passed the baton to Joshua, he encouraged the people with a long farewell address (Deuteronomy, chapters 1-31).
Here are four foundational principles, taken from the words of Moses, that can help stabilize us during our own transitions:
DEVOTION
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
When life is in flux, we must vigilantly guard our hearts and stay faithful to the Lord. Transitions often expose us to new idols that call out for our heart’s allegiance. Just as Moses cautioned the Israelites about worshiping the gods found in the new land (Deuteronomy 6:14), we must be wholeheartedly devoted to the One who “loved and gave Himself up for us” (Galatians 2:20).
OBEDIENCE
“Be careful to follow every command I’m giving you today…” (Deuteronomy 8:1).
While devotion pertains to our hearts, obedience pertains to our wills. And let’s face it -we’re vulnerable during times of transition. Aware that we’re exposed and unstable, the enemy will unleash an onslaught of spiritual attacks. We must rely on His Spirit, flee temptation, and walk in obedience. Obedience isn’t a one-time decision, but a repeated, moment-by-moment choice to adhere to the principles of His Word.
GOD’S PRESENCE
“The Lord will go with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
The Lord promises to walk with us through the entire transition. He doesn’t send us out by ourselves, saying, “Good luck. You’ll figure it out. I’ll see you on the other side.” Instead, He helps us navigate each step along the way. Our job is to draw near to Him continuously.
DON’T FORGET
“Be careful not to forget the Lord your God…” (Deuteronomy 8:11-18)
When the transition is over and life has settled down, we must not forget the One who brought us through. Teeming with arrogance, we must never think that we made it by our own strength, intelligence, or resources. No, we safely emerged on the other side only because He carried us with His “everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). Transitions should help us become more grateful, not more prideful.
Instead of focusing on everything that’s changing in your world, focus on these four stabilizing principles.
And remember…The Lord often does some of His best work in us during times of transition. If you resolve to keep trusting and allow the Lord to accomplish His purposes, navigating this transition will be transformational.
“Heavenly Father, this is an unsettling season in my life. Everything feels up in the air, and I do not know what You’re up to. Help me to trust You. Use this time of transition to transform my heart and life. Bring me to the other side, a more devoted, obedient, and humble follower of Jesus.” Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read “Testing of Your Faith” at GotQuestions.org
