The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Transition Requires Courage

Paula K. Graves

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May 7, 2026

God knew that transition requires courage and instructed Joshua accordingly. Repetition in a Biblical passage emphasizes the importance of the repeated word. The words strong and courageous are essentially synonyms in Hebrew.[1] God doubles the same instruction and then repeats it three times in four verses.

Joshua 1: 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous.[2]

Joshua 1: 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.[3]

Courage Needed to Avoid Repeating a Mistake

40 years before Joshua took command, the people had a chance to enter the promised land, but refused to trust God. Joshua had been a spy to check out the promised land. All the spies agreed that it was a land flowing with milk and honey. But ten of them reported that the people living there were too strong to conquer. In contrast, Joshua had urged them to trust God for the victory.

Numbers 14: 9 Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them! [4] Even though God had done multiple miracles to release them from Egypt and care for them in the wilderness, the people did not trust Him. Unbelief led to fear and anxiety, which resulted in disobedience.

As a result, the people had to wander in the desert for forty years. The disobedient ones died there, and the next generation would enter the promised land. The only ones who left Egypt and entered the promised land were the faithful Joshua and Caleb. Now, forty years later, the nations occupying the promised land were as strong, or even stronger, than before. It would require trusting God to provide the victory, and to do that, they needed to be strong and courageous.

Courage to Trust God

We, too, must depend on God for our spiritual battles. Ephesians 6: 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[5] We need faith and fearless confidence in God’s abilities.

Courage is needed not only for battles ahead but for the uncertainty of becoming who God calls us to be next. God had called Joshua to lead a nation, and often God calls us to leave our comfort zones to work for Him. Transition requires courage. Paul gave the Corinthians believers advice as they lived out the faith. 1 Corinthians 16: 13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 14 And do everything with love. [6]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1] Coleson, J. (2012). Joshua. In P. W. Comfort (Ed.), Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Joshua, Judges, Ruth (p. 42). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

[2-6 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God’s Presence in Unfamiliar Territory

Tom Graves

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May 6, 2026

God’s presence in unfamiliar territory is a great comfort for every believer as we step into new seasons of life. After Moses died, God told Joshua it was time for him to lead Israel. He was stepping into very unfamiliar territory, but in the midst of that, God gave him amazing reassurance.

Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. [1] Realizing that God will accompany us as we step into the unknown truly transforms our perspective on life. Scripture reminds us of the importance of depending on God when we enter unfamiliar territory. Psalm 91:2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [2]

As the Lord walks with us, even though life’s storms may come our way, we are not alone. Joshua led the Israelites to conquer the promised land with God’s help, and while it wasn’t always easy, God’s protection gave them incredible strength and support in every battle. Whenever emotions, thoughts, or unexpected circumstances arise, remember to call out to God—you’re never alone in any challenge. 

God’s Presence Gives Us Confidence

Being with someone else during tough times makes challenges feel less overwhelming. When I have another person walking beside me, problems appear more manageable. Many times in life, it is not a person who is walking beside us but God Himself who dwells in us as believers. Having the Spirit living inside you fills you with anticipation for the journey and excitement to step into what God is calling you to do.

The fear of the unknown can sometimes hold us back, making us complacent and inactive. While the uncertainty about what lies ahead might excite some, for many, it can be quite intimidating. When God reassured Joshua that He would be with him as Israel’s leader, it was precisely what he needed. Sometimes, we believe great leaders don’t face struggles like ours, but that’s not true. Joshua was stepping into uncharted territory, feeling many of the same emotions we do.

Spiritual Growth in Unfamiliar Territory

When the Lord told Joshua He would be with him as He was with Moses, it marked the beginning of a new season of drawing closer to God. God’s presence isn’t limited to that moment; as He was with Joshua when leading him into unfamiliar territory, it can also be a time of growing nearer to the Lord. In familiar life, I can handle things on my own, but when I face uncharted waters, I must look to and rely on God in a new way.

It is in this place that unexpected spiritual growth often takes place. Following God’s plan often takes us into unfamiliar areas, but it’s a blessing. God meets us there, waiting for us to take the first step of faith. We can experience His presence wherever we go, even if we’re unaware of it. He wants us to deepen our relationship with Him, often through stepping into the unknown.

To learn more about God’s presence in unfamiliar territory, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

His Promise Still Stands

Paula K. Graves

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May 5, 2026

God told Joshua that in this transition, His promise still stands. Joshua 1:3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. [1]

Even though there was a leadership change from Moses to Joshua, God’s promises remained the same. God would remain faithful to what He first promised Abraham. Genesis 15: 7 Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.” [2]

God had renewed this covenant with Isaac, Jacob, and, most recently, Moses. Deuteronomy 34: 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land.” [3] It was time for Joshua to lead the people into their inheritance.

God’s Promises to Joshua

God initiated the original covenant concerning the land, and now the people would receive it by God’s hand. God gave Joshua the boundary lines of this promised land. Then God went on to give Joshua several promises. We know this applies to Joshua because the “you” in verse 5 is singular.[4]

God promises to be with and not forsake Joshua, with the result that as they conquer the land, their enemies will not be able to stand against him. God promises to be with Joshua as He was with Moses. Joshua had been Moses’ assistant and had observed the relationship between God and Moses. Now God’s faithfulness will continue through Joshua’s leadership.

God’s Promises to Us

Just as God had made promises to those in the Old Testament, He continues to give us promises because of what Jesus has done for us:

John 3: 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [5]

Romans 10: 9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.[6]

Ephesians 1: 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.[7]

We can trust God to be faithful. His promise still stands for us believers today. To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-3,5-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

[4] Strong, J. (1995). In Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

Steps into the Unknown

Tom Graves

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May 4, 2026

Have you ever taken steps into the unknown when you knew the Lord was guiding you, but you were still apprehensive? I believe this is what Joshua felt like when Moses died. Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.[1]

Obedience to the Lord’s guidance is not always easy because we may be filled with uncertainty and often doubt our abilities. It is in that moment that we must put our confidence in God as we move forward in His timing. Many people, including me, often find themselves in unfamiliar situations. Lacking experience in these areas, our instinct is to retreat to what we know. Fear frequently arises when we face new challenges. However, consider that everything you’re doing right now is something you’ve never done before.

God Knows Us Better Than We Know Ourselves

In Joshua 1, we see a man entrusted with a big responsibility by God—something he probably didn’t feel fully prepared for. Can you imagine how Joshua must have felt when Moses passed away, and God told him it was now his turn to lead Israel into the Promised Land?

Fortunately, God knows what we are capable of and has our lives planned out from the beginning. Psalm 116:16You saw me before I was born.” Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [2]

I’m always inspired by how God opens doors when we step out in faith. Instead of feeling scared of new experiences, let’s feel excited about the challenges and opportunities that come our way. We can do this even when others say something is impossible, if we follow Joshua’s example. When we trust in God, He will give us the strength and grace to move forward confidently.

Take God’s Hand as You Take Steps into the Unknown

When God invites us to take a step of faith, it’s like leaving behind what we know and stepping into the exciting unknown. Remember, when He guides us, He promises to be right there with us. Even if the path ahead seems uncertain, you won’t walk it alone—God will be by your side every step of the way.

Often, it’s precisely when we step out in faith into the unknown that we experience the most wonderful encounters with God. The eyes of faith see beyond the natural world into the mysterious and the unknown. It requires faith and trust to take that first step, but rest assured, it is always worth it in the end.

Like Joshua, who trusted God and stepped into the unknown, perhaps God is gently encouraging you to take a leap of faith today. I believe He will give you courage and strength to follow His will. If you’re struggling to see God’s work in what He’s spoken to you, I trust He will open your eyes anew, helping you see with faith and empowering you to do what seems impossible. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

When a Chapter Closes

Tom Graves

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May 3, 2026

When a chapter closes, it can be both exciting and stressful. God called Joshua to transition into leadership, and God calls us to tasks. Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses, the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.[1]

Closing chapters in our lives is part of life, and each comes with its own story and unique challenges. Sometimes it’s straightforward: a great chapter has ended, and it’s time to move forward. Other times, it may have been painful, but you have gained valuable lessons, and the moment was right to turn the page. Then there are those chapters you revisit repeatedly because they contain so much meaning and happiness. You analyze every sentence to extract as much insight as possible before closing that chapter. Joshua had been second in command to Moses for forty years, and after Moses’ death, he would face the most challenging time of his life.

New Chapters Can be Opportunities for Growth

Although Joshua was an experienced leader and a man of great faith, stepping into the role of leading the Israelites must have seemed daunting. It is during such times that we find ourselves depending more on God because the waters are uncharted. As we enter a new season, the Lord is our anchor in the storms of uncertainty. For me, entering a new season is difficult because I am leaving behind what is familiar.

In the midst of the unfamiliar, there is always an opportunity for new experiences and growth we would never have if we had stayed where we were. In a spiritual sense, it is a time to listen carefully to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He directs your path. Just as in the life of Joshua, the Lord is always working towards progressions in our lives. As the Lord guides our path, He is also involved in bringing seasons to a close. Why does He do this? Because for one chapter to begin in life, another has to end.

The Lord Walks with Us into the Next Chapter

Moses, the leader of Israel, is dead, and Israel must move forward. God acknowledges the ending without minimizing it, then immediately calls Joshua into the next season. A new season may begin with grief because of our circumstances. Other times, we long for the season that has ended because we don’t know if we have what it takes for the next.

The good news is the Lord walks with us as we enter the following season. It is during this time that we can pour our hearts out to Him, expressing our fears and asking for strength, courage, and guidance to move forward. Scripture reminds us how much we need the Lord when a chapter ends. Jeremiah 17:7But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. [2]

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/be-strong-and-courageous

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Obedience Reveals God’s Glory

Paula K. Graves

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May 2, 2026

Obedience reveals God’s glory. To obey God, one must trust Him. Obedience requires humility in that we put God’s will above our own. God has His reasons for His instructions. He has a plan, and our obedience brings blessings. Deuteronomy 28: 2 You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God. [1] Even Jesus promised blessings for our obedience. Luke 11: 28 Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.[2]

God had a plan for the nation of Israel as they left Egypt. He could certainly have stopped Pharaoh’s army before they chased after Israel, but He chose not to. God had a plan to demonstrate His glory to both Egypt and Israel through this attack.

God’s Glory Revealed in the Crossing of the Red Sea

The story of Israel’s escape from Egypt through the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea is told in Exodus 14. There God tells the reason for this plan three times:

Exodus 14: 4bI have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!”[3]

Exodus 14:17b My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” [4]

Exodus 14: 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses. [5]

The Redemption Event of God’s People

Israel’s obedience to God’s instructions allowed His glory to be seen. Not only did God reveal His glory to Egypt, but also to Israel. They were in awe of what God could do, which increased their faith. All who saw or heard of this event realized that the God of Israel was the Lord. The crossing of the Red Sea is seen as a turning point in Israel’s history. God brought them out of cruel slavery to their own land. This event foreshadowed how Jesus’ obedience would bring us out of our slavery to sin.

Philippians 2:7b When he (Jesus) appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. [6] Romans 5: 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone… So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [7]

Just as the Red Sea was a turning point in the Old Testament, Jesus’ work on the cross is the turning point of the New Testament. As believers, we can have a renewed relationship with God for eternity. To learn more about how obedience reveals God’s glory, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-7] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

God Fights for Us in Transition

Paula K. Graves

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May 1, 2026

Israel experienced how God fights for us in transition. God had enabled them to leave slavery in Egypt. Even though they were no longer under their slave masters, they still had a slave mentality. It would take time for them to become a free nation. God knew this and guided their exit from Egypt accordingly.

Exodus 13: 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus, the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle. [1]

A Battle They Couldn’t Win on Their Own

While the people left Egypt like an army ready for battle, when Pharaoh’s army appeared, they panicked. They realized they were untrained and no match for the Egyptians. But they had a leader who trusted God. Exodus 14: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”[2]

God had allowed this battle. Some might say that God even caused it because He hardened Pharaoh’s heart. God had led His people to a place where they were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. There didn’t appear to be any way of escape. But God. God used this situation to demonstrate His glory and power both to Egypt and Israel.

The Unexpected Solution

Even though Moses trusted that God would fight for them, I don’t think he expected God’s plan. Exodus 14: 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.” [3]

God had to urge Moses and the people into action. What had seemed like a barrier before is now the escape route for the people. Not only will the sea provide a way for the people to flee, but it will also be what will destroy their enemy. Only God could do this kind of miracle.

Safety in the Transition

God also provided safety as the people moved into place. Exodus 14: 19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. 20 The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. [4]

God had positioned His people in a place where they couldn’t win, gave them an unexpected solution, and kept them safe. God fights for us in transition, both then and now. To learn more, listen here:    

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition   

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Standing Firm in the Face of Fear

Paula K. Graves

no comments

April 30, 2026

Moses kept standing firm in the face of fear. The appearance of Pharaoh’s army panicked the people, and in their fear, they complained. But Moses doesn’t appear to flinch at their criticism.

Exodus 14: 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” [1]

Moses was in a spiritual battle and could stand firm because he trusted God to come through. We, too, experience spiritual battles and are to trust God to stand firm. Ephesians 6: 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil… 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then, after the battle, you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground.[2]

Remember God’s Promises

How can we remember to trust God in the battle like Moses did? God had given Moses a promise when He called him to lead Israel. Exodus 3: 12 God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.” [3]

Moses knew God had been with him since the burning bush and had done everything He predicted. Exodus 4:21 And the Lord told Moses, “When you arrive back in Egypt, go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles I have empowered you to do. But I will harden his heart so he will refuse to let the people go. 22 Then you will tell him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son. 23 I commanded you, “Let my son go, so he can worship me.” But since you have refused, I will now kill your firstborn son!’ ” [4] Pharaoh’s firstborn son died during the tenth plague, which was the Passover.

They had come too far not to make it back to the mountain of the burning bush. Worshipping at the mountain was the reason Moses had given Pharaoh for leaving Egypt. Exodus 5:1 “Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.” [5] God had proved Himself trustworthy, and Moses kept trusting Him.

Look for Signs Along the Way

In addition to all the miraculous plagues, including Israel’s protection during the Passover, God continued to show His presence. Exodus 13: 21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire.[6]

Moses had first experienced God in a burning bush. Now God demonstrated His presence with a huge pillar of fire. This was just another sign that Moses could trust God to do what He said He would do.When circumstances look bleak, remember what God has promised and look for signs of His working. This helps us overcome our fear. Instead, when we trust God, we can remain standing firm in the face of fear. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Transition Exposes Our Hearts

Tom Graves

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April 29, 2026

Transition exposes our hearts and strip away our filters, as we see in the story of the Israelites approaching the Red Sea. The Egyptians pursued the Israelites with all of Pharaoh’s army—horses, chariots, charioteers, and troops—and caught up with them camped near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon.

Exodus 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?[1]

 Israel found itself in an unexpected situation—freed from Egypt yet now stuck between the Red Sea and an approaching enemy. It is often during transitions that we discover what we are made of. Will we depend on God, or will we blame Him? What spills from their mouths is not praise for deliverance but fear, accusation, and regret. When God reveals what is in our hearts, it is an opportunity to repent and turn back to God, even in the face of failure.

God Wants to Change Our Hearts

The Israelites’ complaints did not surprise God, nor do ours. Transitions often create pressure points and expose the areas of life we need to change. As people, we may not realize what we need to change because we can deceive ourselves into thinking we are further along on our faith journey than we are. When we begin to blame God and others for our circumstances, it reveals that we have work to do.

If we have an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit, the Lord can use our failures to get our attention and reveal our need for forgiveness and transformation. As we meditate on Paul’s advice in Romans 12:2, we realize that the Israelites were acting like the world. We can do the same thing, but this is not God’s desire for any of us. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [2] Will you let God transform your heart?

Life Circumstances Can Be a Great Teacher

God could have prevented the Egyptians from pursuing the Israelites, but He did not. God has a way of working things out for His glory. Even when life doesn’t go as planned and everything seems to be wrong, we can trust that God will use those situations to help us grow.

When faced with circumstances we don’t understand, we have a choice: to become better or bitter. If we allow God to speak to us through our challenges, we can become better. Ephesians 4:31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. [3]

To learn more about how transition exposes our hearts, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Old Fears Resurface in Transition

Tom Graves

no comments

April 28, 2026

Don’t be surprised when old fears resurface during transition; it is not unusual. Israel had left Egypt, but Egypt had not yet left them. Exodus 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt?[1]

Trusting God involves refusing to let fear pull us back into what He has already delivered us from. It is part of the transition process, but that does not mean it will be easy. Even when God clearly leads us forward, unfamiliar territory can awaken familiar anxieties. Notice how quickly their language shifts. Only days earlier, they cried out for deliverance; now they long for the predictability of bondage.

Fear has a way of rewriting memory. It exaggerates the danger ahead and minimizes the pain behind. This passage reminds us that fear often emerges between promise and fulfillment. The Red Sea before them and the Egyptian army behind them created an emotional whiplash. Transitions are rarely comfortable; they expose what still needs healing and trust within us.

Emotional Healing

 We live in an era when many people are suffering from anxiety and mental stress. These hinder the work God wants to do in us, especially during transitions. The Israelites were on a journey to learn to trust God, but it was not easy. Although they saw many miracles God performed to free them from Egypt, they soon fell into fear when they were under pressure. 

Psalm 147:3He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. [2] This healing is also available to us today through our relationship with Jesus as our Savior. During His ministry, Jesus healed people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Scripture highlights individuals like Mary Magdalene, who was freed from demonic possession and became a close friend of Christ. Jesus healed her in every way—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—by freeing her from oppression and forming a personal relationship. Before the Israelites could move forward collectively, they needed healing. This allowed them to rely on God rather than on themselves.

God Knows Your Fears During Transition

The Lord understands your fears during transition and desires to help you. He is aware of the wounds caused by people, circumstances, and sin in your life. He knows what you struggle with, including habits and addictions that hinder you from experiencing the abundant life He has planned. God both wishes and plans to heal those wounds. He desires to heal your heart now, so you can be open to receive all the love and blessings He longs to pour into your life.

After God destroyed the Egyptian army that was pursuing them, the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for forty years. During this time, God would love and care for them as he would raise a new generation that would turn their fears over to Him. To learn what to do when old fears resurface during transition, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/trusting-god-in-the-transition

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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