Monday, January 20, 2025
What do you do when faced with a big change in your life? Do you eagerly welcome it? Or are you someone who hates change, preferring to stay in your old, comfortable ways? Some of you may even fear change, thinking it’s just too much to handle.
This past weekend, we learned it is not the change that causes all these emotions, it’s the transition. Change is only an event that takes place, such as moving into a new home, getting married, or having a baby. In fact, most changes in our lives are actually good. The problem lies in how we emotionally navigate the transition.
Some of you may know the story from Exodus of when Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt to the land God had promised them. They were excited for the change, the freedom from slavery, and finally having their own land on which to live and prosper, but it was the transition that nearly did them in. Time and time again, Moses proved to be a strong and faithful leader and God provided for all their needs along the journey, and yet, we read this:
Exodus 16:2-3
2 There, too, the whole community of Israel complained about Moses and Aaron.
3 “If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.”
The Israelites wanted the change, but they were not emotionally prepared for the transition. Even though God was with them every step of the way, their faith faltered, overpowered by unhealthy emotional reactions. I imagine the words “Are we there yet?,” were spoken many times during that long journey in the wilderness.
If we aren’t careful, we too can react in this same manner to changes in our lives. Our reactions can cause us to miss out on amazing opportunities God has planned for us. Change is inevitable—we need not fear it—instead, we must learn how to handle the transition.
During the rest of this week’s LIO, you will learn some tips on how to properly manage your emotions during transitions so that you are equipped to trust God through any current and future changes.
Questions:
Do you fear, or worry about change in your life?
How do you handle it when life change happens?
Next Steps:
When faced with change, take a moment to pause and breathe deeply. Acknowledge that the change isn’t the issue, but the transition can feel overwhelming if left unresolved. Identify the season that is ending and mark it, maybe by leaving a note at the cross response station. Then open yourself to the new adventure God has planned for you. Consider writing your thoughts down in a journal so that you can come back and check on your progress.
Be sure to read each LIO this week for some good tips on how to manage the emotions caused by transitions.
21 Days ofPrayer
Day 15—Dependence
Today’s Prayer Focus: To Declare my Dependence on Him (Psalm 121:1-2)
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, when things become difficult, I know you walk beside me. You will cross the desert and weather any storm with me. When things become unbearable, I know you will carry me to the other side. Today, I declare my dependence on you. You give me my strength and are the only one who can truly replenish my weary soul. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
This post was written by Ned Miller, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.