Godly Transitions

To Let God’s Kingdom Come

On 7 December 2023, I turned fifty. During those days of celebration, I had time to slow down and reflect on my life’s journey and the people who make it worth living. I thought about the transitions from being twenty to waking up fifty, marked by change, growth, and challenge.

Curveballs and Transitions

I can say with certainty that more than 70% of the transitions in my life were precipitated by unexpected events. Excited to go to university, I wasn’t prepared for the hundreds of resumes I sent out resulting in only one interview. I joyfully planned my first wedding, unaware of painful events ahead. I went on my first blind date after ten years, not expecting to marry my wife after only six months. With determination, I built investment banking and management businesses, not expecting corporate politics to take them away from me.

So, is life just a random mixture of uncontrollable events that lead to transitions we’re ill-prepared for, taking us to unwanted places?

Faith and Transitions

In the Christian walk, we are not promised a life free from transitions, but we are assured of a faithful and unchanging God who walks with us. Our faith equips us to face life’s transitions with courage, hope, and wisdom. In these moments of change, we find opportunities for growth, renewal, and transformation. It should therefore be possible to turn curveballs into Godly Transitions.

What is a Godly Transition?

A Godly Transition is a life change that manifests the Kingdom of Heaven in real life. All transitions in our lives have one purpose: to let God’s Kingdom come and His will be done on earth as in heaven. No matter the curveball that precipitated the transition, the Holy Spirit wants to lead us into the Kingdom of Heaven manifesting in our lives.

For example:

• In heaven, there is no corruption. Therefore, I must submit truthful tax returns, even with unexpected financial burdens.
• In heaven, there are no broken relationships. Therefore, I must work on my relationships even through life transitions.
• In heaven, we worship God continually. If I start dating someone who isn’t a Christian, I should not tone down my walk with God.

Our Identity and God’s Preferred Future

In having the Kingdom of Heaven manifest in our lives through a Godly Transition, identity precedes activity. This means life isn’t a random mixture of events out of our control. Instead, we approach transitions as beings created by God, in His image, for His purpose.

To understand who we are, we must find out who God is and what aspect of Him He fashioned in us. This determines our purpose and sets us on course toward God’s Preferred Future.

Skills, Capabilities, and God’s Preferred Future

Consider the Israelites entering the Promised Land in Numbers 13. They faced a transition and could choose to enter a Godly Transition. God promised the land but required them to fight for it with Him. Only Joshua and Caleb, who trusted God’s Preferred Future and were willing to use their skills and resources, entered the land.

God fulfills all His promises but is not obligated to fulfill our potential. Some promises are invitations into our potential, requiring us to put our skills and resources into God’s hands during transitions.

Facing Transitions Today

In the transition facing you today, are you willing to use your skills, talents, capabilities, and resources to obediently step into God’s Preferred Future, even if you know there’s a 100% chance of failure without the Holy Spirit’s power?

Today, God is calling you in your time of transition: don’t stay in your box, don’t covet someone else’s box — grow into your box. Confidence lies not in yourself but in who you are in heaven.

What transition are you facing today? How does God’s Preferred Future impact the way you enter this transition?