Devotions: Transitions

Transitions are challenging for most people. They define a season of change and a time when a part of life is undefined or uncertain. My most recent life transition is the one I am currently in, the transition from college to the “real world.” I graduated from the University of Maryland this past May. Although I anticipated the transition to be challenging in some respects, I did not expect to be confronted by a pandemic and one of the worst job markets since the Great Depression. My plans for creating more memories with friends, attending graduation, and starting a job upon graduation were all taken away in a matter of weeks. The 3-week transition period I had planned for post-graduation turned to 4 months with no distinct end.

 

Despite all this, I have experienced indescribable peace and comfort from Christ during this season. There are two verses of scripture that I have hidden in my heart and have used to remain optimistic over these past few months. The first is Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” There is great comfort in knowing that when it seems as though your way of life has been uprooted and everything around you seems to be changing, you can remain grounded in Christ. Since Christ is unchanging, so are his promises. His promises for grace, mercy, provision, and strength to persevere in any circumstance.

 

The second verse is Jeremiah 29:11, a Christian favorite, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse reminds me to take a step back from my situation and try to view it with a godly perspective. It reminds me of the sovereignty of God in my life. He is a good God who created me for a purpose, and I have to allow him to work through me to fulfill that purpose. So when some of my carefully thought out life plans are disrupted, instead of sitting in despair for too long, I turn to God for clarity of where He is at work and for reassurance that what He has for me is better and fulfills a kingdom purpose.

 

In context, Jeremiah 29:11 was declared to the Israelites after being told that they would be in exile for 70 years. To me, that shows that God’s plan requires patience and trust, and throughout scripture, He has promised to provide the strength and endurance to withstand any season. Just as God recommended that the Israelites get comfortable and continue their lives in Babylonian captivity, I decided to do the same during this time of transition. In the past few months, I have rediscovered my love for serving, working out, cooking, reading, and panting. I have also been consistent with having quiet times with God, a goal I have had difficulty with for years.

 

Whenever we find ourselves in times of change, we should embrace the uncertainty, find ways to prosper in that season, and focus on the ways that God continues to work in our lives.