Blog, Featured Posts, Transition Well

One Step from Stupid

January 22, 2016

graphic copy

The goal in transitions is the right place at the right time for the right reason and in the right way. It’s a high bar. There are many unknowns and much could go wrong. As I thought about the many variables, I started to question my own perspective.

 

We’re one step from stupid.

One step! We can unravel in a moment what it takes a lifetime to build. How can I be sure this move isn’t that step?

This reality is complicated by another:

Our capacity for self-deception is limitless.

“I might be looking at this decision in a tainted light.”
“It could be the wrong time.”
“How do I know that the motivation is right?”
“No thanks! I think I’ll just stay where I’m at!”

Notice the introspection!? Paralysis by analysis.

Have you ever been here? Check out this short video on decision making:

Transitions require heightened vulnerability, exposing deep-seated fears and stressing unhelpful thinking patterns. It’s hard to stay off the emotional roller coaster that deep introspection can take you on.

Here are a few things to keep in mind during transitional periods:

  • What you focus on expands. Fears can easily become self-fulfilling prophesies. Same goes for faith, hope, and love. Focus on what you want to grow.
  • Name ‘it’, release it, and keep moving forward. It was helpful to identify and release specific fears. As opposed to ignoring them or obsessing about them, I found it helpful to name them accurately, take a look at their root, trust the Lord with them, and keep moving forward in faith.
  • Circumstances are terrible tie-breakers. When you’re confused or feel overwhelmed by the weight of a decision, resist the temptation to outsource the decision to circumstances. The right door might be closed, just behind the open one.
  • Crisis moments are best treated as decision-free zones.

    Our potential for growth is in direct proportion to our threshold for pain. Here’s why: Growth requires change, change requires loss, and loss requires pain. We hit painful walls that force a self-inventory: is it worth it? Can we endure? We either decide it’s not worth it or we press through and allow “perseverance to finish its work.” (James 1:3) This is immensely helpful and highly encouraging when you hit those moments when everything in you wants to run away. Resist the desire to be accepted and understood by everyone, find the hard truth in even the most malicious personal attacks and criticisms, and refuse to make major decisions when you’re in a pit. That’s where the gold comes from!

Something I’ve noticed about transition is that it exposes what’s big and what’s little in our eyes. As God grows bigger in our eyes, other things that once were large grow smaller.

Take-Away

Today, choose love over fear, grace over judgment, and release outcomes to the Lord.

Don’t worry about God withholding His will.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn left or right, your ears will hear a voice saying, ‘this is the way, walk in it.’”

No one wants you to know God’s will more than God. Most of His will is clearly laid out in Scripture and when it comes to specific leading, the promises in Jeremiah 29:11 are yours when you choose the posture of Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

God’s peace.

Wes.

Don't miss an article! Get them sent right to your email.

Comments

You Might Also Like