Transitions

Spiritual growth is about change. As we walk with God, we are transformed. God works in us to change the way we think, act, behave, and feel. This process of change is not random, nor should it be unexpected. God has a design in mind for the life of every believer. The goal of spiritual growth is the transformation of our lives into a reflection of the nature and character of Jesus. With this specific goal in mind, God guides us through the process of spiritual growth and we experience life change. But change is often scary. If we admit it, most of us don’t like change. Change is one of those things that means life will become different than it is. I know that the promise of being “better” is appealing, but the unknown is often hard to adjust to.

As we embed the Bible this week, we make a transition. We finish the Book of Deuteronomy and start the Book of Joshua. While we simply turn the page in our Bibles, the people living the story of God’s people were experiencing a tremendous amount of change. That change came in the form of leadership, purpose, and movement.

At the end of Deuteronomy, Moses gives his final blessings on the people of God. The leader that brought the Israelites out of Egypt and who walked with them for more than forty years is not going to be leading them as they enter the Promised Land. The transition in leadership means that a different voice is talking to God on behalf of the people. Would Joshua lead them the way that Moses led them? How could they know that they were going to be led the right way? It is a good question to ask. This transition was designed by God. Joshua had been the aide to Moses. He had stood at the tent of meeting while Moses talked to God. He has walked through the wilderness with the Israelites. Joshua was chosen by God to lead God’s people. The younger leader was taking over for the older leader.

As you and I grow in our walk with God, we will experience a variety of leaders. We will come to know and trust godly people who will have an impact on our lives. How do we know what to listen to? That is where you and I can find answers in the life of Joshua. God calls us to be in community. Transitions are easier when we are surrounded by voices who follow God. Just like Joshua had stood in the presence of the Lord, you and I should be looking for people who stand in the presence of God. Is our leader a person of prayer? Do they live what they know of God’s will. Is the character of Christ displayed in their lives? Have they been faithful followers, listening to other godly voices?

The Israelites are entering Canaan. No longer are they a wandering people. They now have a specific purpose. They are called to conquer the land. They are now an army. In the same way, as we grow, we transition from wandering through life to committing to the specific purpose of God. We are called to stand up for faith, to proclaim God’s rule in our lives, and to dedicate ourselves to His purposes. Watching the Israelites, we see that Joshua prayed. Living in God’s purpose requires us to be connected to God. The Israelites were circumcised. You and I are called to baptism and the daily cutting away of the world from our lives. The Israelites worshiped. As we grow, worship becomes vital to our lives. Living in the purpose of God calls us to prayer, repentance, and worship.

Transitions can be hard, but they are necessary. Like the growing pains of a child, we may experience some discomfort, but we know that when we stay in the will of God, we are growing to be healthy, spiritual, godly men and women. Embrace the change to look like Jesus. Embed the will of God deep in your heart. God has great things in store for His people!