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 at the beginning of 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 in this season? What aspect(s) of God’s character 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!
Are you entering 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.”
As One,
Lance Wallnau
This is timely massage for me! Thank you sir.
Thank you for this word in season!
Thank you for this article. I’m 71 years old and I don’t know how I’m suppose to be. I’ve never been here before. I feel alone. I try to fit in, but I’m a round object trying to fit into a square hole. This article was very helpful
Wise words! Thank you, I needed to read this. God bless, Elisabeth
Wow!!! Thank you so much. This means a lot to me. I have felt like I had lost my way. Old ugly things in me were welling up, and I couldn’t figure out why or where this was coming from. But it all makes sense now! Thank Thank I’m not going backwards or crazy.
I’m on alert now.!
So true thank you!!
Thank you so much for sharing this link with me because it’s VERY much needed and I will be more watchful during this time of my transition to my promised land.
Transition is always unsettling, but the reward is greater. Once you have gone through one and know God is there every moment it gets easier for the next one.
We must keep the old man dead.
Thanks Lance for a great teaching. Elyce
As my husband and I live out the final week in our home of 27 years, we pack up for a new state, new church, no family and friends yet.
We cried out our alleluias after reading this!
God’s encouragement and direction, perfect timing.
Makes cutting old habits and ties here more
purposeful.
Greetings Lance. You make good points and and ask great questions!
My response to the questions goes something like this.
1. At this time, I am Warrior with ‘ a take no prisoners attitude’ towards the devil, yet compassionate with suffering humanity. Navy SEALS sometime use this term, ‘ hold the line’ when there position is under threat of being overrun.
2. I press in. With my faith, my attitude etc. As a professional believer, I Believe God, rain, hail or shine.
3 God will be, ‘ whoever I need Him to be at any given moment.’ Whether that be provision, a friend, a word, a new job, a loss of job, a rebuke, praise etc.
Gods Weapons work! Period. If I fail, and I say if. It is never God who failed to come through on my behalf. I pause and check inside. Internal check; like running a diagnostic. Because He’s in there. And the guidance of the Holy Spirit is 100 per cent accurate. Hooyah!