Transition: the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.

How many times have you been steadily moving along in life and in a moment, because of a circumstance that changed, something unexpected came your way or you had a paradigm shift about something? Ah, thus the beginning of transition.

We have all experienced times of transition, change or shift in our lives, probably more than we really know or have even thought about. Transition can look very different from one person to the next. It can happen in the physical/natural, mental or the spiritual realms that we all experience on a daily basis.

Because the words change, shift, and transition can have such negative connotations attached to them, my husband and I have begun to couch these words with a single word that helps us in our process. That word is unveiling. I like this better because it hints to me I’m going to see or experience something new and in the process I might have a mindset change, a lens change or even more so, a heart change. But as I see, it brings even more clarity into my heart, and into the Kingdom of God, which opens me up for even more. My capacity has just been expanded when I open myself up for this to happen.

One of the greatest examples of transition I believe is the character of Paul. Yes, this guy was for real. He unabashedly/unashamedly and intentionally searched for believers to persecute them or even kill them for their faith. Kind of sounds like the ISIS of today. He was one man doing this. I’m sure he had his minions to also help him, but think of it…he was flat out murdering people just because of their faith.

Paul tells his version of the story in Acts 26:12-18 about the day that changed his life forever. While on his way to the town of Damascus a light from heaven, brighter than the sun shone all around him and those traveling with him. They all fell to the ground and he heard a voice addressing him by name. This voice asked Paul why he was persecuting HIM? Then the voice (Jesus), proceeded to tell Paul why he was created. To be a minister of the gospel, and to open the eyes from darkness (Satan) to light (Jesus), so they would KNOW forgiveness and receive the inheritance of Heaven.

Paul ended up absolutely turning the world upside down. He was as dedicated to the mission of the gospel as much as he was on the other end of the spectrum. Paul literally changed from one condition or state to another. I don’t believe everyone needs a “Damascus Road” experience like the one Paul had. I believe that was going to be the only way God was going to get Paul’s attention. Each one of us will experience God coming to us in very different ways. He speaks our language. He knows what will speak to us and get our attention. Let me just say this, God will never bring bad things upon us, but He will use those circumstances for our benefit and ultimately for His glory.

The Purpose of Change

The Lord spoke Paul’s purpose audibly to him, but our purpose is basically the same…to become more like Him and bring the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. We have been created for the purpose of carrying the Kingdom of God within us and to destroy the works of the devil.

Change is a process that pulls us out of our comfort zones like nothing else can. You think Paul was changed instantly? No, he was blinded for something like 3 days before he received his sight back. Side note: that had to be scary for him, Mr. Tough Guy, because being blind was the perfect opportunity for someone to get rid of him. He was the guy that caused so much turmoil and pain for people. Being blind for three days wasn’t the end of his change or unveiling. His ultimate change happened when he decided to follow The One who blinded him temporarily.

It is essential that the position of our hearts, minds and lives are in such a way that says, I’m not perfect, I understand that I don’t see things exactly right all the time, but I will keep my mind and my heart postured in a place where God has the permission to show me or speak to me about where or what needs to change in me.

Be Willing to Change

Are you one of those people that always think they’re right and don’t need to change? Perhaps you’re the person that doesn’t deal with change very well and so you stay where you are because you want to remain comfortable? Maybe you’re the individual that doesn’t want to put forth the effort that is required for change because you don’t “feel” like it?

It’s important to know that we have to release ourselves or give ourselves permission to go through the process of change. I’m not sure a caterpillar wants to be in a cocoon for several weeks until it transforms into a beautiful butterfly. To think that it no longer has to crawl on the ground, but will be able to fly to new heights never before realized and experience the freedom and fruit of transition.

There are so many good things that God wants to do in all of us, but if we remain in a place of refusal to change, how can we ever experience what He wants to pour into us? God can do so much more with a heart that is fully yielded!!

Be Willing to let the Unveiling Process Begin

It’s easy to just coast along and not give yourself over to the process. Sometimes it feels that the process is too much work, especially when you see what is being changed. We can tend to fight the process that can set us back.

The greatest obstacle we face when entering the unveiling process is the fear of change. Fear can cause us to question the change. Fear also wants us to remain in our comfort zone, and fear will always keep us from being vulnerable.

Be willing to open yourself up to the Holy Spirit, becoming vulnerable in His presence and allowing Him to show you what He wants to unveil to you, will permit the freedom needed for the unveiling to begin.

Be Willing to be Vulnerable

Surround yourself with people you trust to speak into your life. Let yourself be vulnerable to those people. Change is not designed to be comfortable and sometimes we can even feel like we are being exposed and forced to change even if we don’t want to. But fear will keep us from wanting to change.

Fear of change will keep you in your comfort zone!

God desires to take us from glory to glory as long as we are positioned for the process of unveiling. Don’t let fear keep you from experiencing His grace in your life. Lay aside the fear and embrace the beautiful process of the unveiling that you will experience.

Years ago my former pastor said, “there is only one constant in life and that is change”. It’s true, outside of Jesus. Whether we realize it or not everything is continually changing around us and even in us.

So, Posture your heart in this manner…

~ ~ Be Willing to Change

~ ~ Be Willing to let the Process Begin 

~ ~ Be Willing to Be Vulnerable!