Read Acts 19:17–21

Transitions in life have a way of either stalling our progress or keeping us alert to God’s purposes. Transitions are usually unexpected, sometimes shocking us to the core. We ask questions like, “Where did that come from?” or “How in the world did I not see that coming?” Other transitions we foresee, and that allows the opportunity to prepare...as when your last child heads off to college or when you’re in the last stretch of your career, nearing retirement.

Still, something in us resists transitions. We prefer the status quo. But I want to point you to a couple of verses in the book of Acts that challenge that type of resistant attitude:

The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.

Afterward [transition!] Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia [transition!] before going to Jerusalem [transition!]. “And after that,” he said, “I must go on to Rome!” [transition!] (Acts 19:17–21)

When you read that in your Bible, imagine an invisible arrow that keeps you headed in the direction of God’s plans and purposes. Paul wasn’t one to rest on the soft mattress of the status quo. He not only anticipated transitions—he charged through them with enthusiasm!

Facing an inevitable transition in your life today? Feeling unsure about how you should respond? Frustrated with what seems to be a dead-end path leading nowhere but to despair? God has a way of shaking all of that up. He’s the master of transitions. Be open to what He’s doing. Watch the horizon. Embrace this next chapter of your life.

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.