Dear People Who Keep Company With God,
Have you gone through a time when you felt like you should know the answers to your life’s situations, but they seemed to keep eluding you? And even worse, when you felt like you needed God the most, He seemed almost eerily quiet. If that is happening to you, then you 
may be in the midst of a transition.
A transition is that time you feel in limbo when it seems like your life or important aspects of your life are on hold.
I think the world of childbirth captures transition best.
“Transition is the most difficult phase of labor for most women. Emotionally, they can become restless, irritable, discouraged, and confused. She may find that she focuses inward as she works with her labor. She may have a hard time communicating her wishes.”
That says it all doesn’t it? When we are in transition the sense of the unknown is impossible to ignore. Did I miss God? Is this a demonic attack? Why do I feel so down in the dumps? Why don’t I feel very much passion anymore? Why aren’t things working anymore?
It is true that when we are in the “in between” the action of life seems to slow to a crawl. But, potentially without any effort on our part, our spiritual growth can accelerate. Like the mom in transition, we become more inwardly focused and that can lead us to discovering the Treasure within (2 Cor. 4:7). We may feel empty, but that emptiness in and of ourselves can open the door for the grace of God to do new things (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Doctors tell us transition is the point in labor when the woman usually needs the most support. Here are a few things I keep telling myself when I am in the midst of a transition.
Be patient
No one wants to hear that, however, it is through faith and patience that we inherit the promises (Heb. 6:12). Being impatient is likely to create more problems than it attempts to solve. In childbirth, it is during the transition that the urge to push the baby out is at its highest, but the mother’s body is not ready yet. The mom and baby can be hurt. A friend of mine likened it to driving your brand new Mercedes out the garage before the garage door is fully open. Don’t do that.
Let go
Change and the transition that accompanies change is hard because we tend to overestimate the value of what we have and to underestimate the value of what we can gain by giving that up. I believe one of the most effective ways to speed up a transition is by letting go of how things were and embracing how things are and the potential of what they could be.
Be Intentional
Transitions can be productive times, if we recognize that letting go is not dismissing what has happened. It is accepting what has happened and seeking for the path to go forward. We should accept that our past achievements are no longer the standard for satisfaction in the present. It is a time to reassess and in some cases let go of old identities, roles, and routines so that we can focus on the present opportunities.
Take Care of Yourself
Transitions can be particularly stressful. Sleeplessness, anxiety and anger can derail us during transitions. We need to pay attention what our emotions are telling us and act on them in a healthy way. Don’t bottle up your feelings. Find those trusted friends you can talk with and process what is going on with you. If possible, take time off for recreation and fun. Focus on the blessings God has already given you. Be thankful.
Many Blessings, BW