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
Thanks. Is there a complete book or resource that deals with this more expensively?
Lance, you were instrumental in my life from the time you came to Redding and played the Gladiator during one of your sessions. You talked about getting a platform to work from. I began school at 50, worked hard to get two B A, and then a Masters in psychology. I continued on, working to get my doctorate. Fighting the warfare that surrounds the field, I ended up taking a medical leave of absence. Now timed out, I am seeking God for the ability to transfer into a Christian University and finish my course. As a Christian woman and warrior, at 62, I am not giving up. Please pray for me. I will use the gifts and talents God has given me to take dominion and set captives free. Thank you for all you are doing in so many lives as you follow the leading of the Lord. Blessings to you and yours. As One…
Brenda
I just read your comment, I guess that is ok here. I can somewhat relate. I went back to school to get my doctorate at the age of 56, I am in my last year, writing my dissertation now. What is your doctorate in and what school were you in? If you don’t mind me asking, (my email is marta@hopereformation.org), if you want to write. I have a friend who is 62 also and working on her doctorate. It is not an easy process. May the Lord give you wisdom and strength to continue on.
Oh, I must have needed to hear this message. This morning I opened my email and there were two blogs about transition. (One was from the Heaven in Business group). I’m finding the older I get the transitions are longer and the warfare changing, or maybe I don’t have the emotional energy I used to once have to walk through them. I’ve read a lot of books (including Bobby Clintons) transitions that remind me of what is happening. I feel convergence is right around the corner for me (I’m 58). Now I understand why only a small % make it there, because of the warfare. I hope I do. I’m in my final year of a doctorate program, writing my dissertation, and I’m being stretched in a whole new way.
Great message! Thank you!
God bless you Lance. My husband and I are in transition and we very much appreciate your timely word as always.
Great word of encouragement. I am in quite a time of transition. The trial of my life has opened my eyes and heart. God is doing a major heart transformation and this word so resonated with my spirit. Please say a prayer for me. Thank you and God bless!! Dana Crist in Newark Delaware. ❤️
Thank you for posting this. I never thought of it, but this makes a lot of sense. What are some signs that we should be looking for that will show us when we are going through transitions? Sometimes we are moving into something new but we don’t see it. Thank you.
This came just when I really needed to hear it.
I could feel the attack coming upon me today from Satan. Then the Lord had me check my e-mail. Thank you for that message.
So glad this was timely for you, Vita.
Thank you sharing this, very insightful!
Every time you leave a post I write the whole thing down in my journal! I have had some very hard setbacks in my lifetime but every time the Lord has taking care of me or redirected me! I’m a very strong woman, and had a huge operation in 1996, which survival rate 8% to 12% but I’ve ALWAYS HAD AWESOME ENCOUNTERS with GOD! I didn’t realize as a child most of my encounters how many times He has saved me! A lot I’d heaven encounters, and at 50 became born again, and then had a relationship with Jesus! More encounters, but way too many with the devil taking me out! Every time I read your posts excitement comes rushing in! Blessings my friend! I fight the good fight bind the Strongman and my transition is before me!