One of the challenges of transition is understanding how to exit one phase or stage of life and enter the next one. Jesus was tested in the wilderness while going into His ministry and tested even more in Gethsemane when transitioning out.
You are the most vulnerable during strategic times of transition.
There are 3 powerfully clarifying questions we’ve learned to use in times of transition:
- “WHO will I need to BE NOW, that I’ve never been before?”
And the next key question:
- “WHAT will I need to DO NOW that I’ve never done before?”
Which leads to the ultimate question: In light of who I need to be and what I need to do…
- “WHO will God be for me now that He has never been before? What aspect(s) of God do I need to draw upon?”
Now, what does this mean?
- You must tap into parts of yourself never previously developed. The moment you enter into a real transition, one in which the phase of your life is going to shift, you’ll really have to show up in a whole new way. This means tapping into everything you’ve ever learned and everything you’ve ever done. You’re exercising new muscles, new awareness; you’re exploring new space. It’s the extension of your authentic self. It’s your heavenly identity at a whole new level. It’s a place you’ve never been before. Give yourself permission to be uncomfortable.
- You will face opposition from spiritual forces. When you begin to step into your season of transition, the spiritual world will try to lock you up in the old pattern. This is like the children of Israel trying to cross over into the Promised Land. There was a very real demarcation between where they were and where they were going. Only after they made the shift would a new beginning unfold. What was it that inhibited that transition? It was the old habits that didn’t die in the wilderness! What was waiting for them? A land of prophetic promises; their Promised Land.
How does the devil attempt to hold you back from transition? He does this by imposing outside resistance from some source aligned with his evil intent. This could be political, legal, or even occultic. But this is not an easy option for the devil and requires a lot of resources. Satan would much rather have you self-disqualify. He will aim his arrows at you personally. He will bring up your history, your old patterns, old fears, and old iniquities. Sometimes the very people you need to avoid start crossing your path.
Jesus warned His disciples to “watch.” This word involves watching what is coming up in you as well as what is developing in the environment around you. He is sympathetic to your battle, which is why He told His disciples to pray because “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
This could be translated as “Your spirit man wants to do the right thing but your emotions and your untrained senses will overpower your spirit. Your natural man is weak. Fail to pray and you’ll be frightened and intimidated and will want to run.”
Friends, let nothing keep you back from your transition! “Watch” what’s coming up in you and watch what’s going on around you!
Question: Are you entering into a new season? What are some tactics that the devil is using to block you from your Promised Land? What words of the Lord are you standing on for victory? Perhaps you were previously unaware, but now your eyes are open to the importance of being on your “watch.” Comment below!
As One!
Lance
For the last couple weeks I’ve been thinking about this EXACT very thing. I’m in a massive transition period. God is literally taking me from one season to the next but I feel like every dart from the enemy is after me. I’m battling some anger issues from this season I’m coming out of & I’m trying desperately to fight…the spirit IS willing but the flesh is weak. 🙁 I keep hearing the Lord speak if I’m not careful I will sabotage my own transition. And this transition contains the hopes & dreams that I’ve longed for. I NEEDED this!!! it was DEAD ON TIME!!!! I feel like I’m having to pull from every area of experience I’ve had & areas God is growing me in. Please…do more teachings on this!!
Very encouraging words as I am in a period of transition. While the questions raised resonate — they are the right questions — I’ll have to pray about how to even begin answering them.
Thanks, Jeff! Blessings to you as you seek the Lord’s answers.
Wow, this is exactly what is happening in my life right now! I’ve been asked to assume a significant increase in responsibility at work and I was sure it was God, but the performance pressure and constant needling from my CEO is dragging me back into a bunch of dysfunctional behaviors and I’d rather quit than go back to that life. Thank you for the encouragement!
Exactly!
As all of us, we have the same choice, with the same 24 hrs each day, and that choice is who will live,
my choice is that no longer it is I who live but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. He must increase, but I must decrease. The key to live this life in decrease is to not allow any thoughts to exalt itself against the knowledge of God bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. God is bringing fourth a spotless and unblemished Bride were Sons/Daughters of His Kingdom are being formed through pressure, irritation, and fire. God is bringing fourth His Diamonds, Pearls, and Gold to be displayed to a world that is most desirable for the precious stones of the Father.
Thank you so much! This is so timely and right on target for me RIGHT NOW!
The very people I need to avoid have in fact, started crossing my path. I sooo needed to hear this.
He has brought up my history and fears and old patterns as well.
Thank you again so much for this message.
Bless You,
PS
Paula, I bless you to recognize who you are (and aren’t) meant to connect with.
In the wilderness. In new church. Just made one friend. Family doesn’t understand. Praying for mentors.
Gosh this is exactly where I am. I was feeling discouraged but now I see. It’s amazing how those I your inner circle can be the ones who resist you. I’m encouraged to refocus and keep His promises and prophetically words before my eyes….. Hold as uncomfortable as it is I can ‘hold’ my focus on Him.
This is exactly where I am. I stepped into a higher level of responsibility at church and the negative nellies and jealous, selfish children jumped in to accuse and I found myself again wanting to quit. But not this time. NOT THIS TIME. THIS IS A NEW ME, AND PEOPLE WILL NOT GET ME OFF TRACK TO MY DESTINY!
Congratulations Angela! May you continue to into new territory!
Amen, Angela!
Great message I’m going to carry it with me (literally print it off and keep it in my handbag) to remind me that I am in a period of transition and that I can and will achieve what He has put in my heart. Maybe I just needed reminding that the present pain/battle which has been intense should encourage me rather than deter me. Heart stuff, head stuff no matter what’s going on I just want to agree with what God wants so yeehah thanks again I’m encouraged to keep pursuing my dream. Definitely going to meditate on those 3 great questions.