Transition Shock: The Tests of Spiritual Expansion
Did you know that when trees are transplanted, they go into shock? In the shock of transition, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are. Transitions force us to question our foundation: Am I enough? Am I too much? Do I belong here?
Transition shock is that vulnerable season when insecurity and fear threaten to choke the roots of our true identity before we can be established on new ground.
For trees, late fall and early spring are the best seasons for transplanting. In the fall, after trees stop producing leaves, and in the early spring, before buds start to develop, they can focus all their energy on root growth. Prophetic seasons often mirror natural ones. In the early spring and late fall, God leads his people through transitions.
Are you experiencing a disruption or upheaval of transition? It could be a physical move, a new job, a new school, a new baby, new foster placement, or the removal of a foster placement. Or like us, maybe a spiritual move from one church community to another.
In the spring, we were uprooted and replanted—transplants once again. I was excited to follow the Lord into new land, but I dreaded starting over.
One day, God spoke a direct word to my heart that put an end to my complaining. He said, “Stop saying you are starting over. That’s not how my kingdom works. You aren’t starting over, you are expanding.”
“Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes.” - Isaiah 54:2 (NKJV)
Expansion doesn’t happen without stretching. Growing pains are uncomfortable for a reason. When change is as fresh as the crisp fall air, the Word of God offers us the vision and wisdom we need to protect us from transplant shock.
“Can you not discern this new day of destiny breaking forth around you? The early signs of my purposes and plans are bursting forth. The budding vines of new life are now blooming everywhere. The fragrance of their flowers whispers, “There is change in the air.” Arise, my love, my beautiful companion, and run with me to the higher place. For now is the time to arise and come away with me.”- Song of Songs 2:13 (TPT)
Getting to higher ground takes effort, but it’s there that we are offered heaven’s perspective. Higher thinking is always worth the hike.
Seven Tests of Transition
Here are seven tests of transitions and the truth I preach to myself to pass them:
Test 1: Prioritizer vs. Procrastinator
The Test: Will we be a faithful prioritizer or a procrastinator?
The Truth: We are called to steward our biblical priorities (marriage, children, family, church, community, etc) and continue to be faithful to the assignments God has not pruned. Above all, we must prioritize time in His presence every day and faithfully follow where ever Jesus leads us.
Test 2: Prayerful vs. Prideful
The Test: Will we be prayerful or prideful?
The Truth: Prayerlessness is pride. God is not going to give us influence over that which we have not prayed for. Praying continually keeps us in a posture of humility. We have nothing to prove—we have something to give. We must acknowledge our need for God and ask for His help. Jesus says in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Test 3: Prophetic vs. Doubtful
The Test: Will we be prophetic or doubtful?
The Truth: It is easy to drift off path during the upheaval of transition. It is vital that we make time daily to read the Word and listen to the voice of God to receive alignment from His heart. We must be mindful of the character of God and call to mind trusted prophetic words we’ve received. We have the power to encourage ourselves in the Lord by rehearsing his goodness and promises to us!
Test 4: Patient vs. Premature
The Test: Will we be patient or premature?
The Truth: The sanctification of our souls can only happen through process. The temptation to rush ahead of God in transition is great, but we must pass the test of long-suffering. God’s promises to us will come through patience, not premature action.
Test 5: Present vs. Anxious
The Test: Will we be present or anxious?
The Truth: No one likes the tension of transition, but constantly looking ahead steals our peace. Remember God gives us peace that surpasses understanding. This means peace comes when we surrender our need to understand and figure it all out. God’s presence is found in the present. His grace is only available to us today.
Test 6: Problem-Solver vs. Complainer
The Test: Will we be a problem-solver or a complainer?
The Truth: When we start something new, we will inevitably see lots of problems and challenges. The test is to not complain about them. The problems we see are clues for us to know the solutions God has given us to bring to the table.
Test 7: Pioneer vs. Settler
The Test: Will we be a pioneer or settle in our comfort zone?
The Truth: When the insecurities and unhealed places of our heart are exposed in transitions, we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). Just like the giants outside the Promise Land did, the Spirit of Intimidation will throw fearful thoughts at us like darts to keep us from occupying new territory. We must take every thought captive and make it bow in submission to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Pioneers refuse to settle outside the Promise Land. Instead of remaining in their comfort zones, they fight in the Spirit to take new territory for the Kingdom of God. If you are experiencing the pains of transition, I honor you for being a Pioneer. It’s never easy, but it’s always worth it.
Plant Your Trees Today
We left our last church with love and respect in our hearts for every leader and friend we’ve made. It was painful to leave another place we’ve invested so much in, yet God couldn’t be more clear in His instruction to us to plant a church locally in Ridgefield.
Have you ever heard a song and felt it was written just for you in the season you are in? When I heard "A Song For My Children" by Kristene DiMarco, the Holy Spirit ministered to my heart. If you are coming into or out of a transition, you need to listen to this song.
Plant your trees today
Grow your flowers like you’ll stay
‘Cause the ones before you did the same and knew
To everything there is a season
And our days on earth are few
So plant the seeds in your pockets
Even if they're not for you
Some gardens we make, we make for others
Some victories aren't just for us
There's so much we won't ever know
And fields that we may not see grow
But plant your trees anyway
Grow your flowers like you’ll stay
‘Cause the ones before you did the same and knew
To everything there is a season
And our days on earth are few
So plant the seeds in your pockets
Even if they're not for you
Someday it's gonna be time to go
Move on from what we know
And many will reap from the ground
Where we only sewed
But you won't regret losing all that you cannot keep
To gain what heaven holds
So plant your trees today
Grow your flowers like you’ll stay
‘Cause the ones before you did the same and knew
To everything there is a season
And our days on earth are few
So plant the seeds in your pockets
Even if it’s not for you
As I was faithful to sow the seeds in my pocket in the last seasons, God led us to a community that has been doing the same. What a gift that my family and I are able to flourish in an Olive Grove we did not plant! It’s an honor to join together to labor for the coming harvest. The seeds sown in past seasons are never wasted. We are promised in due season it will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
“So it shall be, when the Lord your God brings you into the land of which He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give you large and beautiful cities which you did not build, houses full of all good things, which you did not fill, hewn-out wells which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant—” - Deuteronomy 6:10-11 (NKJV)
