Transition

The last six weeks of my life have been a whirlwind. I did something that I usually don't do--I took on a 6 week gig that involved 8 shows a week (in all my spare time). I realized this would be a sacrifice for my family, but I also knew it would be a great musical experience, and would really stretch me. It did all of that. It met and exceeded every earthly expectation that I had. What was most amazing, though, were the unexpected blessings.

I had time every day in the drive back and forth to Dallas to think. I spent a lot of time praying, visioning for the future, thinking about relationships. It was time needed and well spent for me. But the most unexpected blessing came the last day of the show. Someone said to me, "I've been praying for you every day for the last 6 weeks--for your safety on the road." That blew me away. I felt so incredibly blessed to have that person in my life.

As I thought about that, I thought about all of our seniors that are graduating over the next few weeks. I looked through the beautiful program that David McDurham did for this weekend, and saw so many faces that I have prayed over for the last 18 years. It was a reminder to me that prayer is so important. It is foundational. It is heard. It is powerful. God is faithful to answer our prayers. I looked through the pages and saw the lives that He had transformed over the years. I saw lives that He had brought through great hardship. I saw lives that He had matured well beyond their years. I saw lives that He has just taken hold of. Beautiful children of God.

This morning's WOG4POG reading in Deuteronomy 31 takes place during a transitional time in the life of the Israelites. As I read, I thought about our graduates, and how they must have some of the same emotions and fears that Israel had. They've journeyed. They've at times wandered. They've followed. Now, they have to cross over into the next phase of life. But, I was comforted that we don't go alone. Moses says, "The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you." He does that at every transition point in our life. He is always ahead of us!

So, as we approach this transitional time, take time to pray for one another. Take time to evaluate the transitions taking place in your life. Turn over the fears and the doubts and the uncertainties to Him. Write Moses' words on your heart:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified...for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV