Understanding the Season of Transition
Transition is that moment in childbirth that is shortest, most intense, and what some describe as the worst part of labor. The word of God compares these last days to those birth pains. We are in our own kind of season of transition.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. KJV
In the natural, transition is the time that the body is preparing to push the baby out. The infant is moving in alignment with the birth canal and contractions are increasing. It is generally very intense with contractions right on top of each other, and sometimes with double peaks.
If you compare this to the hour that we are presently in, you see that there is great pressure on individuals, families and especially finances. The reality is that we may have only just begun to experience financial trauma in this country. To prepare and position us, God is endeavoring to show us that we have to become aligned with his purposes.
During the season of transition, the mother often feels like giving up. Just as many people feel like giving up on their dreams, goals and personal ambitions. Many of these heartfelt desires are truly from God. Just as a mother may claim they just can’t do it anymore, we may feel that there is no more effort left in us to pursue the dream. These symptoms are sure signs that you are in transition. Change is right around the corner and this is no time to give up. Just get in alignment with God’s purposes. How?
Focus on what is important; remove distractions and encumbrances in the Season of Transition.
One benefit of transition is that it pulls a mother into complete and total focus. The same is true for the body of Christ. We also must come into focus on God. Past distractions cannot pull our attention away from God’s agenda. Also, we must tune our hearts to the voice of God and eliminate every encumbrance.
What are distractions and encumbrances?
Distractions are mental garbage that occupies the mind. They block focus and inhibit creative thinking. Wealth is a byproduct of problem solving, innovation, creativity, deep thought, and inventiveness. Any thought that pulls the mind away from Christ and the Holy Spirit will also prevent us from entering the realm where creativity and inspiration occurs.
Distractions are dangerous. They eat up our most valuable asset, time. Any thought that takes up mental time and keep you from paying attention to the most important thing at hand is a distraction. Worry is a distraction. Technology gadgets become distractions. Focusing on situations that are out of your control is a distraction.
Encumbrances are similar. These are unnecessary loads we carry in the mind that weigh us down. Things like projects that need to be completed or relinquished. Encumbrances are also unnecessary wars. It is fighting battles where the reward and the spoils of victory are too small. Yes, you may win, but at what price? The victory is not worth the fight. These hold us down and keep us from applying mental energy to weightier matters. These are lesser things. Yes, they matter and we care about them. But we hold on to them at the expense of the birth of Greater things.
Thinking about what could’a, would’a, should’a been is an encumbrance. Struggling to pay bills on things you couldn’t afford in the first place is an encumbrance. Now every month you are worried about trying to pull the money together to pay the car note or mortgage you still can’t afford. It’s a burden, let it go. It is and encumbrance an unnecessary weight that needs to go so you can move on and be free to receive what God has for you instead of hanging on to something you tried to create for yourself.
That dog you love so much but cost more in vet bills than what you pay on your children’s health, let the dog go. Sometimes what we have to let go of, we love, but let go we must. And if God can’t heal your dog, let it go. That is better than going bankrupt trying to pay the vet.
That car you bought for your daughter who promised to make the payments and she has paid 1 time. Now you are stuck with the bill. Sell it and let her catch the bus! It is a load you cannot manage and still have your peace.
After the weights of unnecessary encumbrances are removed, you can relax. Once all the distractions are taken out of your way, you can focus! You can set your affections on things above. You can breathe in peace knowing that you did your best and now you have released things into the hand of God. When mental clutter leaves, you can hear God speaks.
Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. KJV
Questions to Ponder on Seasons of Transition:
Examine your career, goals or business from the perspective of how well it is aligns to support God’s plans. Here are some questions to ask in preparation for getting in alignment during this season of transition.
Is my career, goals or business geared towards financing the kingdom or my lifestyle?
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Am I giving more money towards debt than I am towards the kingdom?
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Am I working towards my mission or just to earn money?
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What am I spending money on that I need to let go of?
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Am I generating revenue with an eye towards meeting the needs of the kingdom? Or am I focused on only meeting the needs of my immediately circle?
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What are the eternal results that will come out of my career choices, business options or time allotments?
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Am I doing work that feeds into my purpose or my purse?
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Am I fulfilled spiritually with the use of my time?
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If God drew a line from my money to the souls it helped to save, would there be anyone on the other end? How many? Am I comfortable with that number? Is God comfortable with that number?