Are you in a season of transition? I believe everyone is to some extent. We all have some area in our life that seems new and scary: back-to-school, new school, new job, no job, moving, renovations, marriage, divorce, new baby, empty nest, health issue, loss of loved one, or changing COVID guidelines. This life seems to constantly be changing with God asking us to have faith in Him again . . . and again. In times of transition, it seems I am more likely to ask for God’s help and seek the Holy Spirit’s leading.

I want to be faithful in seeking God in every moment. However, I confess that when I don’t know what to do next or how I will go on, I really seek Him. I believe this is by design. If God gave me all the wisdom or strength I needed for an extended time, then I would not return for more until I used up the supply. He knows me better than I know myself. He gives me daily bread so I will get hungry and come back. He doesn’t let me see the whole journey of life, just the next step on the path. (Psalms 119:105)

The Bible is the story of God’s people in transition. All my favorite stories involve God asking someone or a group of followers to do something new. Some resisted, and that became their claim to fame (Jonah). Others surrendered to God’s call and became heroes (Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Joseph, David, Esther, Mary, Peter, Paul, the Early Church . . .)! They were ordinary people who embraced the transition knowing God was trustworthy.

I am in a season of transition, and I feel like I am standing in the middle of the road trying to decide which way to go. I am constantly confronted with change: Welcome House Knoxville is expanding, Norwood ministry is changing and growing, and my daughter is going to High School!

God humbles me every time I welcome a new refugee family to Knoxville. They have lost so much, left so much behind, and everything looks new and scary. Safe and affordable housing is scarce, and the Church needs to be advocating for the vulnerable. When a new apartment is finally ready, I am overwhelmed with joy as I walk into their new home with them. It is a Holy privilege to see God answer their hopes of a new life! They still have a massive transition in front of them, but they will sleep in safety that night.

There is Christian song, Jump by NONAH, that is my theme song right now. The lyrics say,

I’m gonna jump into your arms, into your arms
I’m gonna give you everything, all of me
I’m never ever looking back
Fixing my eyes on you
I’m gonna jump into your arms, into your arms
Meet me in the free fall
I know you’re faithful
You come and rescue me
Every time
Meet me in the free fall
I know you’re faithful
You come and rescue me
Every time

Jesus will meet us in the free fall. So don’t let transition paralyze you.
JUMP! Great is God’s Faithfulness! He will catch us every time.

Cindy Hood