Seasons of Transition

By Mrs. Tina Tandy

Everyone has a favorite season, and, for me, fall and spring are at the top of my list. I love camping in the fall and cooking chili or a cobbler in the dutch oven over an open fire. I love watching the leaves change colors and begin to cover the ground. It also means sweater weather has arrived! My favorite season is probably spring, though, because it represents new life and I love all of the green and everything beginning to bloom. My husband and I love to go hiking in the spring in the Sipsey Wilderness. It is known as the “land of 100 waterfalls” and they flow so well after the spring rains.

Seasons of the year often remind us of the numerous transitions we go through in our lives. We go from being a baby, to a toddler, to a child, and during that season we are dependent on our parents to take care of us. Then, we transition to young adulthood where we begin to make some of our own decisions with the help and guidance of our parents or guardians. As we become adults, our parents transition from making decisions for us to supporting and guiding us as we make our own decisions. Many people transition from singleness to marriage, and many also move into parenthood. As we age, we may go from taking care of children to helping aging parents. We may also go through job changes and moves. Each stage has its blessings along with its challenges.

But what about our walk with the Lord? As believers, the sanctification process is like peeling an onion and the Father is always growing us and maturing us in our faith. Psalms 32:8 states, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Even mature believers go through valleys at times, but we can trust the Lord’s promise that He will give us peace beyond our understanding. We do not need to fear change! Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” In every season, we have the opportunity to learn, grow, and find joy. We need to live each season to the fullest. I mentioned how much I love springtime, but it can also be very stormy and we are likely to have tornadoes where I live. Likewise, seasons of life can also be complex. They can be simultaneously messy and full of beauty and growth. Transitions can make us feel excited, but also anxious. Change can be scary, so how do we find peace and joy in times of transition? 

Jesus reminds us in John 15:5 that, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  We are given wisdom, strength and power through the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us to stay connected to Jesus. 

If Jesus, the Son of God who is one with the Father, looks to God for everything He does, then we should also look to Jesus and keep our eyes fixed on Him. When we do, Jesus promises that we will have access to the wisdom, strength, and power that we need for whatever comes our way so that our lives can be productive and fruitful. Even when the changes taking place are for good, or something we have chosen, we may still grieve or feel anxious. However, we can take these emotions to the Father. God promises that He will never leave us or forsake us, and He can handle the emotions we struggle with along the way. Hebrews 13:5-6 encourages us by saying: “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ 6 So we can confidently say, 

‘The Lord is my helper;
    I will not fear;
what can man do to me?’” 

I will leave you with a beautiful quote from Charles Spurgeon. “The seasons change and you change, but the Lord abides evermore the same, and the streams of His love are as deep, as broad and as full as ever.” 

📣A Word From Admin, ✝️Spiritual LifeEIC NSA2024-2025, December 2024 Publication