Nathan Shaw: A Year of Transitioning and Repositioning
Jan 6, 2026
God gave me two words for 2026: transition and reposition. Transitions are "in between" periods. They are often marked by upheaval, adjustment, and change. Those who like disruption come alive in transitions, but transitions are not ends, they are pathways. Transitions take nations, churches, institutions, or individuals from an old normal to a new normal. Those who reposition as they journey through the transition set themselves up to succeed in the new normal. God sent John the Baptist to transition Israel into a new normal. His ministry was intense, powerful, and brief, but it prepared the nation for Jesus. Two of John the Baptist's disciples repositioned themselves and became disciples of Jesus (John 1:35–37). God sent Jesus to transition Israel into a new normal. His ministry was intense, powerful, and brief, but a small group of disciples were repositioned and used to usher in a radical new era. 2026 will be a year of transitioning and repositioning on multiple levels. Geopolitical Transitions Nations have unique personalities and pathways. The pathways of nations are shaped by things like religion, geography, resource, demography, and interactions with other nations. Over the last year, there have been very significant shifts in the alignments of nations with other nations. Although this seems like a major transition in and of itself, the events of the last year have been setting the stage for an even greater transition.
Body of Christ Transitions God is watching over His Church as He equips her to be His prophetic messenger and catalyst for change in the nations. Christ's Body is diverse and multifaceted. Likewise, the transitions happening across His Body are diverse. This calls for restraint so that we don't judge different parts of the Body according to the things that we are experiencing. Even those that go through similar transitions can take different routes and end up in the same destination. There is a need for sensitivity to the specific movement of the Spirit in each part of Christ's Body. Sometimes repositioning brings dramatic changes; other times it brings slight adjustments. But slight adjustments can have big outcomes. It is important not to over reposition. Weighty clarion calls for change can lead to over responding, and over responding can undo things that God has set up. Whether change is dramatic or subtle is not so important. It is the change that is needed that is important. Personal Transitions Israel went through a major transition when they left Egypt, and then again, forty years later, when they possessed the Promised Land. The generation that came out of Egypt didn't reposition their hearts, minds, and attitudes. This led to forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Joshua and Caleb were the only two from this generation who repositioned themselves. They led the next generation into the promised inheritance. Will we be like the first generation that transitioned but didn't reposition? Or will we be like Joshua, Caleb, and the second generation, who repositioned themselves and possessed the land? The first generation won some significant battles. Under Joshua's command, they fought against the Amalekites and defeated them (Exodus 17:8–16). This should have enlarged them to fight the giants that occupied Canaan. Unfortunately, the first generation said, "We don't want to fight anymore."
An Invitation to Adventure There are periods in human history in which everything moves faster than normal. We are in such a period. This is not a cause for fear, but it is an invitation to adventure. Spiritual battles, like natural battles, are often intense and confusing, hence the phrase "the fog of war." That's why Paul told the Ephesian Christians, "... having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13). The courage of Joshua and Caleb changed the world of their time for generations to come. Likewise, choices made today will determine outcomes in nations, churches, and families for generations to come. If you have fought some battles and have had some victories, choose to stand rather than sit. The best is still yet to come.
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Nathan Shaw Nathan Shaw helps bring individuals and churches into dynamic encounters with God's indescribable love. Over the last twenty years he has been instrumental in ushering in significant moves of the Spirit in over ten different nations. Many have experienced life-changing prophetic encounters and dramatic visitations from God. Nathan is the author of two books: Passion and Fire and Unto the Least of These. Nathan is senior pastor at Fire and Destiny Centre, Dunedin and Celebration Church, Mosgiel.
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A new era is emerging. Nations that reposition will prosper. People with prophetic insight will see ultimate destinations, not just chaotic transitions. People with intercessory authority will shape the future rather than fear it. The voice of prophets and the cry of intercessors are strategically important to help align the nations with their God-ordained destinies. (Photo via Graphicstock)
In contrast, Caleb said, "Let me fight not only against the Amalekites, but against the most powerful stronghold in Canaan." Caleb took the initiative and asked if he could fight against the legendary sons of Anak, demonically empowered warlords who occupied Mount Hebron (see Joshua 14:12). Mount Hebron was the biggest stronghold, and Caleb was eighty-five years old! Age had not caused him to sit down. In fact, forty years of waiting had only increased his readiness and resolve. The first generation had some victories but then sat down in the spirit. Caleb continued to enlarge despite the small-minded attitude of the first generation. (Photo via Pexels)
