Transition Time

My sister has had the first of four (so far) surgeries, journey that began two weeks ago today.  This time we are in is NOT what author Henry Blackaby in his book Called to Be God's Leader, a study of Joshua, would refer to as "transition time."  Now, more than ever, though, I am thankful for times of transition.

What, according to Blackaby, is a transition time?  The time in-between.  Joshua's 40 years waiting to enter the Promised Land...that was a tremendous time of transition for Joshua, the time between having entered the land with the other 11 spies and then, 40 years later, leading the people across the Jordan River.

What is a transition time?  That time when everything is going right, the time between valleys.

During such times, we need to be a Joshua.  During his 40 years, he learned, he studied, he followed, he prepared for his time when the Lord would call him to action.

So often, though, when life is good, we do not dive into The Word as we should; we do not meditate on the narratives of the Bible; we fail to spend time reflecting on the what He has done for us; we waste time not allowing the Lord to speak; we just do not study to show ourselves approved.

Why not?  During the good times, we stay even busier instead of slowing down and spending time with Him. AND He wants us to enjoy life, to be a disciple, to display Christ-like characteristics, to lead others to the knowledge of Him.  BUT He wants me to spend time with Him, so I am better prepared for the valleys.

Yesterday, I took a day from visiting with my sister...or looking at my sister, as she lies in ICU, fighting to recover from this Journey of Judy.  I took a day to go to church, to sit, to rest, to absorb, to study, to learn, to refresh.  I just needed this day of transition to pause and prepare for whatever lies within the minutes of next week as Judy's recovery begins, continues...or restarts...as this journey has already been quite the roller coaster ride.

I suppose I see Blackaby's term transition time as having the same purpose of the Sabbath.  The Sabbath is not a day to do nothing.  The Sabbath is a day to spend with The Lord, a day to rest in Him, even a day to work for Him, to teach for Him, to reach towards Him.

How refreshing this transition day was.  Just what Dr. Jesus ordered.