Transition

As spring approaches, one of my favorite things begins to happen. The Bradford Pear Trees begin to bloom and the Candlestick Bushes burst forth into new life. It’s as if life itself begins anew. As I grow older, I remember my dad telling me how many of the elderly would pass during the winter months. He’d say, “If we can just make it to spring.”

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you read the word transition? Strangely enough, I think of an automobile transmission, which to me is the single most amazing and complex invention. A transmission takes the engine’s power and puts it in motion. In life, it is said we go through a life transition every 12 to 18 months, with on average five major transitions in our lives. Science would describe us as evolving, while the elderly would argue they are going downhill. Every gym opens and is successful, thanks to people’s hope of transitioning into a more healthy lifestyle. As a kid, I’d watch my favorite superhero get in a phone booth and go from average to superhero in seconds!

I suppose transition takes on many meanings and depends on where you are in life. I’d love to share a personal story about prayer and how I first came to know the power it brings.

The Sinner’s Prayer

My Christian journey began 35 years ago at the age of 18. It had such a profound impact on me that I remember the day and even the weather on that day. It was March 2nd, 1990 and it drizzled rain all day. I had been invited to a revival service. I entered the church and sat on the left side about midway back. I couldn’t tell you what the evangelist preached but I remember the altar call. To this day, I can hear an 18-year-old boy whispering that he wanted forgiveness of sin and Christ in his heart. Suddenly my young life had been transformed.

I got on a path that would transform me many times throughout the years. I want to say I am by no means perfect and I’ve failed countless times, but prayer has never failed me. I want you to realize prayer is often asking God to take us from one point in life and get us through it. But transition takes time and we are foolish to think otherwise. Understand that God knows where you are at any given moment, but also knows the journey is what makes you stronger.

Think of it like this: on every mountain there is a valley on both sides. In order to reach the top of the mountain for the great view, you must walk through the valley below. Plants and trees grow best in the valley. The ground is more level and fertile in the valley. We know that to build a home we are best served to do so on level ground. The same goes in the Christian walk. It would be great if we could always be happy, but just as nature shows us how tall and strong trees grow in the valley where the ground is richer from runoff, you too will grow and transition best in the valley. I’ve always said the mighty oak started as an acorn! We’d love to skip over the tough parts of life, but they are where we grow the most.

The Savior’s Protection

Through many dangers, toils, and snares

We have already come

‘Twas grace that brought us safe thus far

And grace will lead us home

One of the best songs written sums up the protection we as God’s children receive. Once again we read of a valley in Psalm 23:4…

[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

I want you to notice a couple of things in this verse. “I walk through…” The writer states he isn’t stopping in this scary valley but with the shepherd’s help he is going through it. Next, note the word “shadow.” In order to have a shadow there has to be a light and Jesus himself proclaims “I am the light of the world…” Next, the writer states the rod and staff comfort him. The shepherd’s staff had a twofold purpose, it was used for protection by swinging it at trouble and the crook in the end was for hooking the sheep and drawing them close. Remember, as we transition from baby steps in our Christian walk to living by faith the shepherd is always near.

The Sight Of The Promise Land

The biggest transition we will make ironically comes at the end of life, when we pass away. First note that this earthly body isn’t going to heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:52

[52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

The word changed is defined as, “to transform from one thing to another.” The word incorruptible in this verse means “to no longer decay.” We, as adults, know that as we grow older, we literally decay with age even while living. Our eyesight weakens and our steps aren’t as surefooted. Our grip isn’t as strong and our breathing isn’t as deep. It’s as if gravity slowly tries to pull us down with our stooping back and slow walk.

In the Bible, we as God’s redeemed are promised a new body in heaven. With that said, my mind wanders to many I’ve known who have passed. Before cancer took them, it hollowed them from their former self. Or dementia took a loved one and it’s as if a stranger took their place even before death. None of that will pass into heaven.

As the song says, “Our faith will end with sight!” My final thought is personal. My dear mom passed from cancer many years ago, but on her dying day she whispered many names of those gone on as if she was hovering between two worlds. Before her coffin was shut for the final time, I whispered to her “I’ll see you on the other side…”