The Feeling of Change is in the Air

I don't know about most people, but for me, posting profile photos need to reflect something of my own heart and the season I'm in. Of course, God's always involved. And usually, I can post a nature scene with scripture, but that didn't work this time. Only this photo from my visit to Mt Nebo seemed to fit.

I'm looking towards the Promised Land just as Moses would have done. So many things out there. They may even seem unreachable. I've heard many people remark on how sad it was that Moses wasn't allowed in. But I don't really think it's sad. He had a calling, and he lived it out every day for over 40 years. He led hundreds of people, taught them God's law, established their foundation in Him, and prepared them to step into their heritage. When the time came to enter the Promised Land, they needed a different kind of leadership to get them through. Moses wasn't a conqueror, and he didn't need to try to be one. He had carried so much for so long, and he needed to be relieved. 

I don't think God was punishing him so much as pointing out to Moses that he wasn't able to handle the next step. It was time to give it to Joshua. 

He didn't taunt Moses by saying, "Look at it. You don't get to enter because you rebelled." 

I think He was saying, "Look at it. You guided them to this point. You did it! All of this will be theirs because of you! But it's time to step down. You're weary, and they need a new kind of leadership to get them through this next stage. Have peace, Moses. You have done well. It's just time." 

As seasons change, all leaders reach a point of stepping down while others need to step up. It's not a bad thing, nor is it sad. It's a good thing. And it's also exciting to know that God gives us opportunities to step up. There are seasons when we are followers, and there are seasons for us to be leaders. Then there are seasons for us to step down so that others can lead. It's a beautiful and wonderful cycle! 

Right now, in some areas of my life, I'm Moses. In others areas, I'm Joshua. There are some fruits of my labors that I will not get to see flourish, but there are other fruits I will. Some I already have. That's a blessing, and I'm grateful for it.

This isn't the first time I've sensed a new season in my life coming up. It means something inside of me is changing, is growing, and I'm not going to be the same person I was yesterday. What exactly that means, I have yet to find out. But I'm looking towards the Promised Land. I have opportunities to step into and choices to make. He's not telling me what to do. He's merely walking beside me. 

This season isn't about "God led me to do this" or "God's put this in my heart." This season is "God's taught me so much, and I've learned so much, and now I am able to do more than I originally thought I could. Now, He's wanting me to make the decisions on what I want to do with what He's given me."

It's a precious feeling to realize that God, like the good Father He is, is trusting me to make my own decisions with my life and the calling He has appointed me. He doesn't need to always take my hand and tell me where to go or what to do or what to say. Sometimes, He wants me to tell Him where I want to go and what I want to do and what I want to say. And He'll help me to do it in the best way! 

...And then I realize, that's the way He always wanted it to be for us!