Faith in Transition

Nobody talks about the butterflies you get when seasons of transition emerge. There’s apart of you that waits in expectation and then there’s the what ifs? What if I’m not prepared? What if I fail? How about those transitions that catch you off guard? The ones you never saw coming? Yet somehow – there you are journeying with the winds of change and gripping onto faith.

I remember it like yesterday, that pivotal transition that changed everything for me. I was in class chatting with my friends when they randomly mentioned my name on the loud speaker; summoning me to the principals office. What did I do? Was everything okay? My mind racing with one foot in front of the other I finally made it to the first floor and anxiously stepped into the main office. My dad was there, but he didn’t look at me. I knew he was upset with me as the night before, I missed curfew by a few hours and I could tell that he was fed up with my rebellious behavior. But what did that have to do with him showing up to my school and even more awkward, avoiding eye contact? At this point they called me into the private section of the principals office and explained that I would not be returning home that day. I was assigned a case worker to leave with who was to transport me downtown Newark to the Division of Youth & Family Services (DYFS) office where she would assist in placing me in a new home. What type of transition was this? How could a 13 year old 8th grader endure such betrayal from a parent? I knew I wasn’t the best kid but with patience and time I would’ve got it right. With my case worker I entered the back seat of the silver SUV and gazed out the window. “Are you hungry?” she asked in concern. How could I have an appetite when it felt like my whole world had just been flipped upside down? In a small voice I replied “No.” To my surprise, with the many thoughts running through my mind.. “whose home would I end up in? Would it be a group home? Who’s going to take in a teenager? What if they steal my stuff? Will my dad change his mind and take me back?” I began to experience this supernatural peace. Not one tear fell from my eyes. Hope suddenly filled my heart and I didn’t know what tomorrow would look like but my heart unexpectedly felt strong. For the remainder of the ride I pondered on my future as I continued focusing out the window.

It is now that I understand then – it was Christ working all things together for my good. I hadn’t encountered him at that time and I wouldn’t for another 4 years – yet in that moment he gifted me with his peace as a rapid transition was on the horizon.

Maybe you’re discerning that seasons are shifting and you are trying to prepare your heart for this change but you feel anxious. Maybe life’s transitions came and swept you off your feet and so you don’t know how to feel. I’d like to encourage you in Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

I am writing this as someone who can testify that God has been faithful. He saw me through that significant life-changing season and I look back encouraged that indeed he will never leave nor forsake me.

The same applies to you – He will see you through. Take a hold of his hand, breathe, close your eyes if you have too because he won’t let go. That’s right! Look at you – transitioning in faith.