Transitional Choices

Welcome to 2012! I think there were quite a few of us who were happy to see 2011 depart! First, everyone take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Now exercise your facial muscles by turning the ends of your lips upward into a smile, look heavenward and say, "Thank you God for getting me through last year! Whew, I'm glad it's over and I trust You that 2012 will be a banner year for both of us!" Finally, give a shout of praise and a loud AMEN!
Okay, let's look back and get our bearings. We need to see where we have been in order to know where we are going. The number eleven is symbolic for "transition". Would you describe 2011 as a year of changes, maybe feeling stretched, possibly overwhelmed or tempted to quit? It's not unlike what happens in a hospital delivery room. In childbirth, a woman goes through several stages of labor in order to prepare for birth, including the final 'transition' stage. During transition, mom has to focus all her energy into pushing the baby through the pelvis and out into the world. This stage is the most strenuous and vulnerable time of the birthing process. It is imperative she keep her mind on the goal, using proper breathing to stay oxygenated and pushing with correct muscles in order to get the baby out.
We, too, have to keep our mind on the goal. What is our purpose? What are we here for? If you're a Christ follower then your purpose is to have an ongoing, growing relationship with the Father. You exist to glorify Him. Where has your focus been? Faith trials require us to believe what we don't see. "But my eyes are on you, O God; in You I take refuge" ~ Psalm 141:8. Did you find yourself holding your breath last year? Or did it seem as if you could barely catch your breath before being hit with something else? Could it be that God was teaching you how to breathe properly? Did He point to the Holy Spirit and say breathe deep of Me that you might have life? "It is the Spirit who gives life" ~ John 6:63. Were your spiritual muscles put to the test? Have you ever noticed that we reach out more to God during the difficult times? "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect" ~ Psalm 18:32.
Transition can be a time of darkness and uncertainty. It is where push comes to shove and we have to decide whether to press in, like the sons of Gad in 1 Chronicles 12 or be like the rich young ruler and walk away, considering the price too high. Transition is a work out but like any workout contains great benefits. It conditions us for the future so that be can "be strong and of good courage, knowing that God will never leave us or forsake us" ~ Josh 1:9. Transition helps our spiritual muscles to understand that our sustenance comes from John 6:33 "for the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and brings life to the world." Transition brings new life from the darkness and discomfort of the birth canal into the light and freedom of delivery. In the words of Joel 2:32 "it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mt. Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls."
If "transition" describes your 2011, consider yourself called, but remember Matthew 22:14, "for many are called but few are chosen." My decision focuses on Peter's declaration, "but you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light."
Choose wisely and choose well. Our life is ours to do with as we will, He gave us a choice. "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!" ~ Joshua 24:15