"Finding Our Way in Transition"

"Finding Our Way in Transition"
by Cindy McGill
www.hopefortheharvest.com
 

Finding Our Way in Transition

The church is in major transition. New focus, new structure, new assignments, new positions of leadership. This is preparation for the future. In the midst of this construction, where are we to stand? It feels like the ground we once felt was secure is now being dug up and possibly removed. Paths we once walked are now not visible to us. God is getting ready to release an outpouring of His Spirit unlike we have ever seen; but to whom much is given, much is required.

LETTING GO

In order for God to redesign His body, we have to be willing to let go of old patterns. We have become comfortable with the way we do things, but the Master Carpenter has a new floor plan. His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts ours. Somebody needs to adjust, and it most likely won't be God. We are given a promise in Matthew 16:18. This is where Jesus told Peter that He would build His church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it. The current "wineskin" the church has been operating in will not be able to contain what is coming. This reconstruction is essential for God to accomplish what He needs to in this hour. It is time to trust the Lord wholeheartedly and not lean to our own understanding.

A DISMANTLING

God seems to be taking things apart. We look around and say, "Hey, this looks like a mess." Or, "That doesn't belong there." And, "I have always done things like this; I don't want to change." A rearranging of people, ministries, and responsibilities have got us stumped. God really does have His way in the whirlwind. When something comes down, it is because something else is coming up. In this season of restructuring, we cannot look at seen things. Otherwise, we'll get disillusioned and come to conclusions that are not accurate. Things never look right when rebuilding is going on. It is what the disciples went through when Jesus was delivered up to death. The "Temple" was getting ready to be destroyed and raised up in three days. But, this didn't "look" right.

Matthew 26:47-56
47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him." 49 Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. 50 But Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. (NKJV)

Jesus had been talking to them about this whole thing, yet when it happened, the disciples were confused and angry. What on earth was Judas doing?? They had been with Jesus, talked with Him, were taught by Him, left all they had to follow Him, and now THIS??? This isn't right. One of His disciples, most likely Peter, tried to correct the situation by taking matters into his own hands and attack the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. God's plan doesn't look like ours.

EXAMINING OUR HEARTS

This is a season for us to examine our hearts. We need to see what God
is going after in our lives. Where do we need to change? There is a searchlight going off in our lives. It is a time to ask ourselves who is REALLY in charge. This is a time for God to re-adjust us and lead us to repentance for known things and things He will show us. David was convinced of his need for God to examine him:

Psalms 26:1-5
"A psalm of David. Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. 2 Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections. 3 For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. 4 I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. 5 I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked."

We are being given an opportunity to let the Holy Spirit do His work in us.

SOME GUIDELINES TO PILOT US IN TRANSITION

There are things we can do during this time of "reconstruction" by God.

1) PRAY for each other. Especially, your pastors. This isn't easy for
them, either. It's a time when your leaders need your prayers and support.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 says,

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior."

Hebrews 13:17 says,

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."

2) Another thing to do is to ENCOURAGE one another. Encouragement conquers fear and increases faith. Hope is birthed out of encouragement.

Hebrews 10:23-24
23 "Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds." (NLT)

3) GATHER YOURSELVES TOGETHER for intense times of prayer. Fervent, effectual prayers of righteous men make much power available. When people pull together during a rebuilding time, a strong bond is formed.

Hebrews 10:25
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near."

NEW LEADERSHIP COMING FORTH

God is looking for strong warriors He can entrust much to; people who won't quit when it gets tough; leaders who will lead with His heart. Friends who won't criticize and fault-find, but will use life-words to build others up; those who will let Him form Himself in and will walk in His likeness. These leaders emerging from new construction will not quit when it gets hard. Their focus is clear and their determination is unmatched. A repentant walk is "normal" to them. There is no returning evil for evil and love governs their hearts.

These "warriors" are willing to master their weapons of warfare that are not carnal, but will destroy strongholds. A strong, yet gentle spirit will be evident as they lead the church into battle and possess the land for our Lord. Their ears are open to instruction and their direction is clear, to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). God is doing the construction to bring about His purposes. The finished product will be incredible. We are in a major construction season, and when it's done, God will have made a place for His dwelling. In US.

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