My husband and I are in a time of transition.
After a strange (but Spirit led) series of events, my husband and I are in the process of moving. This time of transition was not part of our plan! With five young children, a dog, and no foreknowledge of a move, we had several repairs we have had to make before listing our house. For the last twenty days we’ve been working around-the-clock, and now our house features fresh paint, updated landscaping, and new carpets. Which is great because our house is now on the market!
These whirlwind changes, while exciting, are causing me to be very emotional. The Lord is using this time of transition to remind me of a few truths that we all experience throughout life.
In an Instant, Everything Can Change
Jason and I were not planning on moving, but in an instant, everything changed. Sometimes the sudden change is not welcomed news: the diagnosis, a sudden downsize at work, an aging parent who has to move into a nursing home, or the loss of a loved one. Other times it is the blessings that bring about the most change: the positive pregnancy test, the new house, or the work promotion that will take you across state lines. It is not terribly uncommon to be happily walking in one direction and all of a sudden we find ourselves spinning several times and then facing an entirely new direction. An unexpected change in course can leave us feeling shaken up, so it is important to take comfort in the fact that no matter what life throws at us, God is constant.
I the LORD do not change. ~Malachi 3:6
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ~ Hebrews 13:8
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ~ James 1:17
We are Not Home Yet
Have you ever felt like a stranger in your own house? That’s me! The new carpets and paint give it a different look, the candles we are burning give it a different scent, and the fact that all of our non-essentials (aka the comforts of home) are now in a small storage unit, our house feels strangely unfamiliar. A move isn’t the only time we can experience this phenomenon. The loss of a loved one (or even a pet), friends moving away, or just a marital funk can make us feel like wanderers in a foreign land. Because that is what we are! Sometimes God allows us to experience this isolation to remind us that we are not home yet. Our eternal home is in heaven, and so this earth should occasionally feel strange.
We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. ~ 1 Chronicles 29:15
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. ~ 1 Peter 2:11
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. ~ Hebrews 13:14
He is Trustworthy With Our Uncertain Future
Here’s the kicker of our situation, nothing is for sure. While we have a contract on another house, it is slightly unfinished. The state of the interior presents a problem because it might not appraise for the amount of the loan. Our realtors and loan officer both say it is a coin toss depending on the appraiser. It goes without saying that we are already praying for this person, but until they make the ruling, we are in limbo.The worst case scenario is that we sell our current house, and are unable to buy the other house, rendering us somewhat homeless. The best situation is that it all works out nicely, and we sell and buy quickly. However, there are several other ways in which this whole thing might play out.
Not knowing the future is causing me some stress because I don’t know what to tell the children or how to guard my heart in this entire process. An unknown future is scary, but one of my friends recently said, “You can trust God no matter the outcome.” Her words have brought so much comfort to our situation, and the good news is that they apply to every circumstance. Whatever the case may be for you, whatever comes your way, God can be trusted.
God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:9
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you. ~ Psalm 9:10
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9
Every person will go through a time of transition, and whether you are excited or dreading the change, God wants to gift you with lessons about Himself. Don’t cling too tightly to the comforts of your life because this world isn’t your home. In an instant, everything can change, but God is trustworthy with your uncertain future.
How do you handle times of transition?
darby dugger
Sharing with the Grace and Truth Link-Up.
Lisanne Grey says
I have found myself in several transitions in this year alone…what your friend said is true & that’s what I say to encourage myself..I have a desktop photo on my compiter, it reads ” Trust God Anyhow” . I have started to put a different one but am unable to, why? Because I know I am in constant need of that reminder…in the eye of the storm He remains in control.
Darby Dugger says
I love that quote! Thanks for sharing. And will be praying for you in the midst of your transitions too.
Nichole says
Thanks Darby, this post really resonated with me for two reasons. One, we are getting ready to list our house and it’s very stressful not having another place to live and not knowing if our house will sell for the right price, and yet I know that God will take care of us. And second, I am 8 1/2 months postpartum and had many months of medical issues after giving birth. I am fearful of getting pregnant again because I am concerned about having the same medical issues. The experience the first go-round really stole my joy for being pregnant and wanting to be pregnant. And yet I know that God will take care of me. It is so much easier to say and believe that God will take care of me, it’s another thing to live it out day by day
Darby Dugger says
Yes, Nichole, the unknown is so stressful, isn’t it?! And amen about saying it verses living it out. While the circumstances are different, I know that when we lost our first born to miscarriage, it really stole a lot of my joy and brings lots of anxiety when it baby time. If that makes sense, so I understand. I will be praying about both of your upcoming transitions and that you would keep God’s character always in the forefront of your mind. 🙂 Blessings!
Dawn says
Times of transition can definitely throw us off balance. You’re right, these are the times when God is often teaching us some beautiful lessons about trust. I’ve been in that situation with buying and selling a house at the same time. I pray that all goes well for you and your family. Thank you for linking with Grace and Truth last week. I would love to feature this post tomorrow.
Darby Dugger says
Thank you for the prayers and for featuring this post! I appreciate both. 🙂