Devotionals for the Heart: Transitions

Transitions: Changing as we move through life 
A devotional by Patricia Russell

He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.”– Daniel 2:20-22 (NLT)

How many posts have you seen on social media celebrating the graduation or marriage of someone who was “just born” yesterday? That brings to mind the old cliché, “Time flies.” Yes…time keeps moving and we change with it as we transition through life.

The dictionary defines “transition” as the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another. We’ve heard this word a lot in our world context over the last year, and I’m bringing it back to mind because whether we acknowledge it, we are changing every day. As human beings, we do not have the capacity to stay the same; we are constantly changing. I once heard that our bodies change (remake themselves) every seven years. Even this week I was reminded again that cancer takes up to seven years before showing any symptoms in our body. Guess what? Each cell is on its own schedule. Now that is fascinating! Our bodies are constantly transitioning, regenerating, and changing.

Changes are not always what we like, but since change is inevitable, we must be on alert and be prepared for it. As sure as summer comes after winter, transition will happen. This was certainly the case for the Israelites, who had prayed year after year for change in their bondage to the Egyptians. The historical text reminds us of God’s word to Abraham that there would be 400 years of bondage before they were released.

When God called Moses to take up the mantle of leading Israel out of bondage, it not only sounded overwhelming to Moses, but he was convinced He did not have the skills or ability to lead the charge. In God’s lovingkindness, He used the precarious details surrounding Moses’s birth, his transition to adoption by Pharoah’s daughter, and his transition to becoming the leader of Israel’s freedom to prepare Moses for the role of leading Israel to the Promised Land.

Through Moses’ life we see that God will prepare us with the tools we need for the tasks that we are positioned for. God will give us the wisdom we need to do the work. God’s word states that he knows the “thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). This is so comforting.

My friends, God wants us to be reminded today that He has our lives under careful watch and that wherever we are, He is aware of what lies ahead. Thankfully, God uses people and circumstances to prepare us for those coming changes. His word tells us that there is nothing we will come to that He will not carry us through.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for reminding me once again that You hold my present and my future in your hands. Thank You for your word that tells me wisdom and might are yours. Lord, I trust You because You truly hold my life and the entire world in your hands. Please give me wisdom and knowledge for the days to come. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen. 

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Author Bio:

Patricia Russell is a speaker, worship leader, author, certified life coach and songwriter.  

Her gifts have been shared internationally with audiences to encourage, empower and share life lessons through words and songs. She has sung on national television broadcasts and shared the stage with several respected speakers. Over her 30 years in ministry, she has been a featured artist in musical cantatas locally and the United States of America.

Patricia had the honour of leading worship at the kick-off event for the 2006 the “Just Give Me Jesus” Toronto Revival with Anne Graham Lotz who is the eldest daughter of Billy Graham, a well-known American evangelist.

Patricia serves in ministry along with her husband Rev. Wayne Russell. Together, they have served as guest hosts on a local early morning call in program called “Nite Lite Live” that formerly aired on the CTS Television Network. They have two adult children: Raquel and Benjamin.

Patricia has recorded two CD’s: “Lord I Trust You” and a live recording “Draw Me Nearer.” She is also an author. Her first book is titled Lord I Trust You: Words of Encouragement. It is meant to further encourage and share life lessons as a result of her cancer journey. She is a co-author of a #1 bestseller book titled Crushed Diamonds Still Sparkle, and she has compiled the recent #1 bestseller book titled Stronger Resilience.

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Connect with Patricia:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrussellsings/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patrussellsings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrussellonline/
Email: patrussellsings@gmail.com