Between the Now and the Next: Embracing Seasons of Transition

As summer fades into autumn, the air shifts almost imperceptibly. The days grow shorter, the colors of creation slowly change, and we are reminded that seasons never stay the same. Transition is gradual, yet undeniable.

Ministry seasons often mirror this. Sometimes you may sense God stirring something new in you or around you. It may be a restlessness in your current assignment, a leadership change you didn’t expect, or even a pull toward a new ministry, people group, or geographical area. The tug of transition is real. It’s the tension of being faithful where you are while feeling the weight of what might be next. It’s both exciting and unsettling, and it can be filled with anticipation and questions.

Though a time of transition can feel uncertain, these seasons of waiting are not wasted. They are formative. God uses these moments to deepen our dependence on Him and to prepare us for what lies ahead.

What do we do when we find ourselves in a season of transition? How do we lean into the waiting period of “not yet” and serve faithfully in the in-between?

Embrace the Tension of the In-Between

The stirring you feel is not random. Often, God uses that feeling of restlessness to prepare our hearts for change. Think of Abraham’s journey. He began with a call to leave the familiar, though he didn’t yet know the destination (Gen. 12:1–4).

The space between where you are and where you sense God may be leading can feel uncomfortable. It’s the “not yet” season. It’s the tug of transition that makes you restless, yet hesitant to move at the same time. Instead of rushing past that tension, see it as a holy invitation. This is the place where God draws you into the secret place with Him, shaping your character, clarifying your calling, and preparing your heart for what’s ahead. Don’t resist the tension; lean into it.

Watch for God’s Confirmations Along the Way

In seasons of transition, one of the most important disciplines we can practice is attentiveness. God is always at work around us, in us, and through us—but it takes spiritual eyes and ears to notice His movement. The Holy Spirit often guides us through a steady rhythm of quiet nudges, timely conversations, and moments of clarity that align with God’s Word.

A Scripture passage may take on new life, a friend’s encouragement may speak directly to your heart, or new opportunities may arise that affirm what God has already been stirring within you. These are not coincidences. They are His gentle way of preparing you for what’s next.

Lean Into Prayer and Fasting for Clarity

Transitions are spiritual seasons as much as they are practical ones. Scripture tells us that prayer and fasting are powerful tools for aligning our hearts with God’s will. These practices quiet our flesh and sharpen our spiritual hearing. They open us to God’s direction and remind us that every step forward must be rooted in His strength—not our own.

Be Faithful in the Present Assignment

When the big picture feels unclear, the best way forward is to focus on the next faithful step. Joseph modeled this beautifully. Even while unjustly imprisoned, he served diligently, so much so that “whatever was done there, he was the one who did it” (Gen. 39:22). Years later, that quiet faithfulness positioned him for influence and mission far beyond what he could imagine. Faithfulness in the present is often the very thing God uses to prepare us for the future.

Seasons of transition can feel like being caught between two worlds. You may sense the urge to leave something behind, yet the next step isn’t fully clear. During those times, God often invites us to lean into the waiting and serve faithfully in the present. This doesn’t mean serving half-heartedly while you wait. It means showing up fully, loving the people in front of you, tending to the ministry entrusted to you, and giving your best to the assignment you’ve been given today.

Scripture reminds us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Col. 3:23). The way you steward this season matters to God, and He will make it clear when it’s time to move forward.

The stirring you feel in a season of transition is an invitation to trust God more deeply. As the seasons shift around us, may they remind you that God is always at work—even when His plan unfolds slowly. Serve faithfully where you are. Keep your eyes open for His leading. And when the time comes, step forward with courage, knowing that every season of transition is preparation for the mission ahead.