Trusting God during transition is a challenge everyone faces because life is full of transitions, some more difficult than others. At eighty years old, the Lord called Moses to transition from being a shepherd of sheep to leading the Israelites enslaved in Egypt. Forty years earlier, Moses believed he knew his identity; he was a prince of Egypt and a Hebrew, chosen by God to deliver Israel.
However, after forty years of tending sheep in the desert, he no longer held that same confidence in himself. Exodus 3:9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” 11 , But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?” [1]
Change can be unsettling and disorienting. However, during uncertain times, we can rely on our steadfast, unchanging, and ever-present God. He perceives and comprehends the difficulty of our circumstances and walks with us in the most challenging transitions.
Trusting God is a Step of Faith
Martin Luther King Junior said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”[2] Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.[3] There is something about faith that enables us to trust God even when we don’t fully understand or don’t think we are capable of doing what God is calling us to do.
When God calls us to move forward in faith, He knows all our shortcomings and the gifts He has given us. Some of the gifts the Lord gives us become apparent only when we step into the opportunity He is placing before us. Trusting God involves relying on His character, promises, and plan, even when circumstances are confusing. It requires letting go of control, trusting that God is working for your benefit, and choosing faith over fear. Trusting God starts with understanding His nature: loving, faithful, sovereign, and unchanging. Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. [4]
Trusting God in the timing of Transition
At just the right time in Moses’ life, the Lord intervened and gave him a new assignment that would forever change his life and that of those he would lead. Although God is all-knowing and has a plan for our lives, it still takes faith and courage to step into the unknown. Don’t be afraid to pour out your heart to God, sharing your fears, doubts, and struggles in transition.
Prayer is a way to reaffirm your reliance on Him. Philippians 4:6Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. [5] The Bible contains numerous verses that reassure us of God’s reliability, so feel free to meditate on His Word, as it helps overcome doubt and boosts our faith.
To learn more about trusting God in transition, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/god-in-the-midst-of-change
[1,3-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/martin_luther_king_jr_105087