Since transition is never far from my mind I was recently talking with Jesus about transitions and He helped me to think about what a major transition His birth here on earth must have been.
Think about it, Jesus was there in the beginning and created the world, then He left heaven to life as one of us and with us.
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38.
Imagine the enormity of that transition!
Here are 2 truths, I realized about how Jesus handled this transition.
He remained Confident in His identity~ When Jesus became a man though His outward appearance probably changed completely He did not lose himself.
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven! Matt 16:15-17
This scripture follows Jesus asking His disciples who do people say that I am? They reported what people said about him and who He was. Most did not see or understand who He was while He walked on this earth but He always knew and lived the truth of who He was. God. Man. Lover of His creation. Truth. Life. Sacrificial Lamb.
For me just going from married to divorcee, from business owner to farm wife was challenging. Identity in the world today is often tied to our job or family so when there are big transitions in either of these areas it can really knock you off your feet.
Each time I have found myself needing to dig into my identity with the Lord to find my new normal. I am, still Loved. Adopted. Cherished. Forgiven. Gifted. Called.
Obedient even unto death~ Jesus submitted to the will of the Father. Not only did He have to take on the limitations of man but He had to die a terrible death as a man. Yes, He knew the Big picture and willingly died on the cross for your and my sins but it was not easy.
The Bible is clear is was a very difficult time leading up to the crucifixion.
Matthew 26:39 “And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.“
Each transition in my life has taken me to a place of bowing my will to His in obedience. When we closed Sylvan in 2011 it was the result of a long struggle. I knew I would not always work and have a home 90 miles from the farm but I loved what I did. Working with families to help their kids be more successful in school felt like it was what I was created to do.
When I stopped struggling, willing submitted to God, He made it clear, that season of my life was to come to an end. The families seeking the service hit an all-time low, the corporation continued to move away from what I felt was best for my students, it was time. In obedience, the business was closed and my home was sold in 6 short weeks. Not as I will, but as You will Father.
I’m so thankful that I was able to see Jesus in light of how He lived out a difficult transition. Though I can see that I have demonstrated these same traits in my life transitions I am also challenged to get there quicker in future transitions.
Focusing on my identity and realizing that NOTHING in this world can change who I am or whose I am, is the bedrock of weather the changes of transitions.
Then because I know whose I am I can also embrace His will open hearted and open minded.
I know the opportunity to live these two lessons out again will come, I just pray I will be more ready, willing and able to bring honor and glory to the Lord in the midst of it.
Have you found that knowing your identity in Christ and obeying Him has helped you embrace transitions in your life?
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