Seasons of Uncertainty, Change, and Transition Are Beautiful
As I thumb through recent pages of my personal journal, I face echoing themes of late that weigh quite heavily on my heart and mind: Uncertainty, change, and transition ... once again. Navigating times of flux consume much of my daily reflections and personal prayers these days.
It's very easy to think of new chapters in life as disruptive or disconnected or unrelated to everything else going on in life. I know for myself, new chapters cause me to think, "Again? ... Yet, another chapter filled with changes and challenges ... another time of transition ..." Many times I feel as if every new chapter is me “starting over” again ...
and again ...
and again …
I have to remind myself that every chapter - no matter how unique each is to another - is somehow interconnected and developing the same story. All the chapters, no matter how sporadic it might feel, all work for the complete picture of the intended story, the overarching Biblical narrative: His glory, and my good in Him. And if these seasons of change and transition, and all they entail are necessary for this end, then I must praise the Lord for His mercy, grace, and faithful love.
I strive to strengthen myself in the Lord our God during various times of great distress and trouble as King David did (1 Samuel 30:6). I strive to establish disciplines of prayer and thanksgiving that will guard my heart and mind against innumerable anxieties (Philippians 5:6-7).
I do this with great hope, knowing that "for every one of God’s promises is 'Yes' in Him [Jesus]. Therefore, through Him we also say 'Amen' to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 1:20)
I am convinced in Jesus that the "LORD is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)
I am convinced in Jesus that "those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
I am convinced in Jesus that "God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
I am convinced in Jesus when He explicitly states, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
How am I learning to navigate these times of change, transition, and adventure?
These Biblical reminders from Ecclesiastes 3:11 infuse me with hope and excitement, and they renew my thinking. I pray that these reminders will help you find encouragement and stability during your seasons of uncertainty, change, and transition.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”
Seasons of transition are God's appointed beauties.
After reading through the mysteries of time recorded in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, along with the activities that fill up the seasons and cycles of time, I am caused to consider its beauty (v. 11), "He has made everything beautiful in its time."
In accordance with His sovereignty and goodness, every season, occasion, and event is an appointed moment of beauty. These times may seem unpleasant for the moment, but new seasons of transition and change hold innumerable glamours waiting to be uncovered. All seasons and activities will, in one way or another, captivate me in the beauties and wonders of God. God will unfold the "mysteries of time" (such an appropriate description) according to His good intentions as I walk through life in fellowship with Him.
“Though we see not the complete beauty of Providence, yet we shall see it, and a glorious sight it will be, when the mystery of God shall be finished. Then every thing shall appear to have been done in the most proper time and it will be the wonder of eternity.”
Why the use of the term "beautiful"? Why the translation of the word as "appropriate"?
As I think about this further, I begin to realize that the changing of times is only beautiful because it’s fitting or appropriate. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, sees that this immediate timing is good and the right time. Therefore, this particular timing of the season is a particularly prime moment to experience the glory of God. And this can be said of any moment to come ... in whatever circumstances.
(I know, it’s hard to wrap my mind around this also. But, facing this crisis of faith with faith will allow me to see the goodness of God and the daily new mercies.)
Times of transition and change are not outside of God's plan and doing. Furthermore, even times of "uncertainty" are exactly how God appoints.
Seasons of transition teach me to desire eternal significance.
As I continue reading verse 11, my heart longs. The verse ignites a flame of sorts ...
Seasons of uncertainty, change, and transition - moments outside of my control - plant seeds of extratemporal significance in my heart. The whispers of eternal significance within the heart guard against the complacencies of this life. I am kept sober-minded and safe regarding the idols that make false promises of life.
Knowing that circumstances are outside of my control, reminds me that there is truly a higher kingdom to which I am accountable and for which I am to live. I must now strive for what matters most according to my Heavenly citizenship.
This consideration teaches me to seek after the true significance of any activity or task during these times. Nothing in this Post-Fall experience can ever bring me complete satisfaction, and I will only find abundant life in His eternal purposes. I am reminded that everything is temporary and that the true significance of any activity is evaluated by God alone - the One who controls all that is outside of my control.
Seasons of transition humble me under the eternal plan of God.
Returning to the verse, it reminds me that He is in control, He is sovereign and providential over all the seasons and activities of man. Even though times and seasons are uncertain for me, they are certain and determined by Him.
I don't have to be anxious about how activities will turn out; I am called to obedience and faithfulness.
Faith calls me to leave the results up to Him. If I leave the results up to Him, then the doors of all eternally good possibilities fling wide open. I can now be hopeful for all that comes and for all activities to which I place my diligent hands.
Seasons of transition instruct me to humbly and cheerfully acquiesce to the will of God, for then I will see great beauty.
Here are some verses I'm currently meditating on during this season of change and transition:
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged."
Psalm 18:2 "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
Psalm 32:8-9 "I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel. Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you."
Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the LORD's declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."
Philippians 4:6-8 "Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things."
As I venture into new territories of personal reflection, content-creation, and documenting my spiritual and vocational endeavors, I glean wonderfully practical direction from individuals such as Michael S. Hyatt, Ali Abdaal, Thomas Frank, Greg McKeown, Jeff Haden, and many others. Notably, Austin Kleon's book Show Your Work provides a strong push to plunge into the deep end to be ambitious, to keep busy, to think bigger, to expand my audience, and to try new things, knowing that "the creative life is filled with changes." And no matter what may come, "I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
“Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Here we go again ... change ... transition ... (again) ... and it's going to be good!
Thank you for taking the time to reflect with me, and I pray that this post strengthens your heart in the Lord. In the comments below, share your word of wisdom, advice, and encouragement for anyone who is going through a season of uncertainty, change, and transition. Spread the Word.
Linus Nguyen is the founder of Of The Way Ministries and serves as lead pastor of Emmanuel Bible Fellowship (Houston, Texas). He has taught in, developed curriculum for, and written on the subjects of Biblical Studies, Theology, Discipleship, Spiritual Formation, Philosophy of Religion, Missions, Humanities, Rhetoric, and Communications at Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate levels. // Follow him on Podcast, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook.