Viewpoint: Change & Transition
(Guest blog written by Deborah Sloan | Genesis Belfast)
All of My Ambitions, Hopes and Plans
During the last few months, I have stepped out of my job in academia (albeit initially via a one-year career break). I have also left the church I grew up in and joined a new one. All that was familiar has gone – the title, the status, the positions, the responsibilities. I find myself a stranger in a strange land and with no specific plans for the future, at times, it can feel incredibly disorientating.
I can’t blame the pandemic. This is not a post-Covid mid-life crisis! I was restless and unsettled before coronavirus arrived. God started nudging me long before I was cognisant of what He was doing. The role I was previously passionate about no longer sparked joy, I felt safe and comfortable rather than curious and challenged. I had run out of ideas. I was weighed down by bureaucratic admin rather than filled up with spiritual zeal. Some doors didn’t just close, they slammed in my face! I became increasingly disgruntled with the status quo. I didn’t know what needed to change but I knew something needed to. Although I prayed for definitive answers and clear direction, I was only sure of one thing - that I was being called to move on.
But, as my ‘2021 and beyond’ story unfolds, I have been contemplating the role that faith is playing in this journey. I am also pondering what this journey would be like without faith. I imagine it would be one of utter turmoil. Relying on inner belief, positive vibes and a few inspirational self-help books wouldn’t get me very far!
We know the Biblical principles that should help us cope with transition, but do we really understand how they apply in practice? We realise we are an ongoing transformation project and therefore instead of fearing it, we should embrace change as a growth opportunity. But for many (myself included), the difficulties arise when those gospel theories are put to the test and become a daily reality. Sometimes, it’s easier said than done to live by those truths when all around us and inside us is in flux.
To better equip myself, I find it helpful to land these truths on solid ground:
1. Yes, it’s true that God never changes, He is always faithful and promises He’ll never leave me. But, I won’t know He’s there unless I keep in touch with Him. So, I need to remain connected to Him, listening for His voice, through worship, study, prayer and fellowship.
2. Yes, it’s true that the only option is to trust God. But, it’s hard to trust what you can see, never mind what you can’t. So, I need to look for the evidence. I have to remind myself of His faithfulness in the past. I have to focus on appreciating the distance already travelled.
3. Yes, it’s true that God is working in everything for my good. But, I have to accept that exactly how this will turn out will not be revealed straightaway. So, I need to be patient - it may only be in retrospect that I will be able to fully join up the pieces.
But what I am totally convinced of is that real peace comes in surrendering control. I was reminded of these words during a recent Sunday service:
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
For it's only in Your will that I am free[1]
Each day, when I wake up, I ask God to use me in whatever way He wants and then at the end of the day, I reflect on the results. Some days are more productive and interesting than others. Some days, I am riddled with doubt. Some days, I unravel and unburden with others. Some days, I only drink endless cups of coffee. But I am learning that if I actively look for it, I can see God at work in every single, small and seemingly insignificant encounter, weaving these beautifully together. Every conversation, every situation, every experience matters. They are all contributing to the development of a new story.
I’m always keen to hear from people so if you are experiencing any kind of change and would like to have a chat, please do get in touch. You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter or email at contact@deborahsloan.co.uk
[1] Jesus, All For Jesus – Robin Mark