When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.

— attributed to C.S. Lewis

I discovered this quote recently and can’t tell you how much it resonated with me.

I’ve reached that point in my journey with Jesus where we’ve completed the foundational aspects and now tangible evidence of the framework can be seen.

No longer is the “next thing” a thought or idea but a reality. I’d gotten so comfortable in my training and refining seasons–regardless of how painfully hard it was–that being on the cusp of seeing the fruit of our labors made me hesitant.

The fact I’m hesitant may sound counterintuitive. Why don’t I run full speed ahead into the fullness of everything?

Mostly because I only see glimpses of what’s to come. It’s a new arena filled with unknowns that lead to more uncharted territories. Such areas make a person pause, reflect, and then choose to either flee or press onward.

That feeling, when you’re on the edge of familiar and unfamiliar, where your stomach’s churning and your heart’s racing, but you can’t back down because everything in you screams, “you’ve been made for this!”

Those moments stretch your trust and faith in God. Because it’s in moments like that where you go forward without fully knowing where you’re headed. You go simply because God said to.

Much like a similar moment when God asked Abraham to leave what was known, familiar, stable, and productive to go to a land God would show him.

I’m not sure about the fullness of that conversation between God and Abraham (we see parts of it in Genesis 12). Maybe Abraham didn’t even know the name of the place at the time the call was given. Maybe all he had was the direction, the call to go, and the promise of the Lord. And as Abraham walked out in obedience, the land of the promise was revealed.

Transitions from one spiritual season to the next are never easy–or comfortable. But what the Lord does in and through the hearts of His people as they determinedly pursue Him, never ceases to amaze me!

And as someone who’s gone through such transitions before, here are a few tips I’ve found helpful.

5 Tips for Weathering Transitions

Tip 1: Never leave the Secret Place

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)

If you’ve never heard the term “secret place”, it’s essentially attributed to the place where you and God meet in a raw and authentic way. The place where you’re at your most vulnerable and a deep intimate relationship with Jesus buds, blossoms, and bears fruit.

Such a place is where we meet God as real and we transform from the inside out. The chains are broken. Hearts are healed. Lives are drastically changed for the better.

Time spent in the secret place will never fail to breathe life into all the broken or dead areas of your spirit, reviving you and rekindling your passion for life–especially when things get hard!

Tip 2: Pay attention to what God says

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;

But happy is he who keeps the law.

Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV)

God speaks to us in many different ways. Directly, through scriptures, through messages delivered via God-fearing saints, through dreams or visions, or in any number of creative ways. God isn’t limited in how He communicates with His children!

So when God speaks, pay attention. If you’re in the middle of a transition–or on the cusp of one–God will often share His heart to prepare you for what’s to come and to also encourage you to not give up.

Write down what He shares. Write down anything that feels repetitive or a reoccurring theme. God could be giving you the very tools you need to make it through to the finish line!

Tip 3: Be active in the waiting

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed

That I would see the goodness of the Lord

In the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord;

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Psalm 27:13-14 (NKJV)

Waiting is never easy! I repeat … waiting is NEVER easy.

But if we jump ahead of God’s schedule we will–without fail–make a mess of things.

However, just because the transition period also incorporates waiting, doesn’t mean we’re sitting around doing nothing.

Use the waiting moments of transition periods to rest and recuperate from the previous season. Reflect on all God has been doing in your life and let that reflection fuel your praise–inspiring you to worship more passionately.

True worship is more life-giving than we’ll ever fully comprehend. It’s in those beautiful moments of authentic worship that our minds rest and we stop overthinking. Which also happens to be the perfect segue for the Holy Spirit to drop glorious nuggets of revelation!

Those nuggets could be the answers to questions we’ve pilled up before the Lord’s throne, or teachings connected to the deeper ways the Father would refine our hearts and minds in preparation for what’s to come.

Tip 4: Be humble and courageous

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)

You’re never going to feel ready for the next season. You’ll often feel underqualified and without resources.

But it isn’t about what you can do with your two hands. It’s about what God can do through your two hands. Yield to His directives and watch what He builds with every ‘yes’ you give to Him.

A lot of times when people are going through spiritual transitions, it’s because they’ve accepted the call upon their life and they’re stepping out. These amazing and courageous creatives have committed their lives to God and submitted their talents for God’s greater glory.

Through your obedience, you please God. I know how scary and overwhelming transitions can be. But remember you’re doing it all because Jesus is worth it. He always is.

Tip 5: Go when He says go, even if you don’t know all the details.

Now the Lord had said to Abram:

“Get out of your country,

From your family

And from your father’s house,

To a land that I will show you.”

Genesis 12:1 (NKJV)

As many know I have the amazing honor of serving our local church in pastoral ministry, and over the years I’ve watched the Lord grow and shape His chosen vessels in extraordinary ways.

Through my own journey–and watching theirs!–it never fails to catch my attention that God will often say ‘go’ and not fully tell you where.

This isn’t because He doesn’t want to share. It’s not because He’s being mean or spitefully secretive.

There are many reasons for God to withhold the final destination of the next season. Here are just a couple possibilities to consider:

A. Your faith may need to grow.

Stepping out in faith will stretch our existing capacity enabling us to hold more. Many times we’ll need to mature more spiritually to be able to comprehend the fullness of what the Lord is asking of us.

B. The Lord could be protecting you from what you don’t see.

When the Lord plans do to something amazing in His people, the enemy of our souls never fails to rear its ugly head. Not knowing all the specifics of your journey could be a way of protecting you from what’s after you.

*massive hugs and blessings*

I know I’ve thrown a lot of thoughts your way, but prayerfully it has inspired and encouraged you.

I’m so grateful for all the creatives who are braving the unknown to see the impossible made possible through God’s mighty hands!

You’re amazing, friend, and I’m blessed you’re here.

If you have any questions or would like to chat more, my inbox is always open. Or feel welcome to drop a comment below.