Negotiating Transition: Keep yourself spiritually healthy

Many people have difficulty with transition because they fail to maintain their spiritual health.

Proverbs 24:10 – If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. (KJV)

The Message version reads – If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place. Many times ministers fail during a time of transition, not because they do not know what to do, but they fail to maintain the spiritual and mental strength necessary to make the transition.

Ephesians 3:16 says – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (KJV)

This verse indicates that our spiritual strength can be built up or increased. Every transition in life and ministry will require additional spiritual and mental strength. Usually a time of transition suggests that we are about to move into a new or different level of ministry. I have found that when this is the case, God is asking us to deepen our spiritual resolve and commitment. As a general rule this usually requires the minister to assume greater responsibility. The strength needed for this deeper commitment can only come from a life that maintains a close relationship with God the Father through His Word and through prayer.

In Luke 4:4 – And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

Jesus is simply saying that what food is to our physical bodies, God’s Word is to our spirits. If we expect to remain spiritually strong and healthy, then we must consistently feed our spirits on the Word of God.

John 6:63 – What gives life is God’s Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God’s life-giving Spirit. (Good News Bible)

We must understand that our source of strength is spiritual and that it comes from consistently feeding our spirits on God’s Word. Obviously, our spiritual life will have an effect on our minds and our bodies. That is why it is so important to maintain a healthy spiritual life, especially when the physical and mental demands associated with transition are placed upon us.

Even after you receive clear direction from God, there may arise opportunities for you to give up or to quit. Doubts can come to mind. Adverse circumstances may come into your life to either discourage you or to cause you to become distracted. All of these pressures can drain you if you are not spiritually fit.

Ephesians 6:10,11 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Notice that the Devil will try his best to bring distractions into your life, especially when you are about to move into a greater part of God’s plan. How do we stand? How do we overcome? We stand because of our union with Christ, by relying on His strength and by placing ourselves in the full armor of God.

Remember, during a time of transition, maintain your spiritual strength. Strengthen your spirit by daily feeding yourself on God’s Word. Wrap yourself in God’s armor and rely on the power and the strength of the Greater One to help you.