Encouragement For The In-Between Seasons
I’m going to be transparent for a second. I feel like a lot of people are in the same boat as me.
I am currently in the in-between part of life, an awkward, seemingly endless season of life. I feel as though most people experience this more times than not. It’s not a high or a low. It’s kind of like the “I’m doing alright. Life’s pretty good. Nothing exciting is really happening and I don’t know when something exciting will happen. I’m kind of just waiting on God to tell me what to do next. So, I’ll just hang out until then.”
I just got my college degree in marketing, finishing a huge, stressful part of my life, but what next? I’m looking for “the next big thing”. I’m waiting on God to tell me what to do, where to go. It seems sometimes that He’s silent in a lot of areas in my life. I’m headed for where I think He’s pointing me…but right now there’s no road map. There’s no clear path to walk down. It feels as though every walkway is blocked, covered in obstacles with no shortcuts.
While I’m stuck in this season, I’m working a lot, reading books and the Bible to find Jesus, surrounding myself with a community and going to church a lot. Maybe if I run fast enough, look in the right direction and am immersed in His Word, maybe I’ll know what to do.
I want to change, be engulfed in His flame and pointed in a direction for His Glory but HOW?
I’m realizing my lull is equipping me to focus on eternity.
If I keep focused on “the next big thing”, I’ll miss out learning about Him, myself and strengthening my relationship with God.
Life is not meant to be lived on the mountain top, but in the valley. When I reach the mountain top, I become disillusioned and the daily routine is work and bothersome. I want to live in the everyday with a joyful hunger to know and seek Jesus more today than I did yesterday. I want to savor the victories. I want to have passion and purpose in every little thing that I do, allowing me to glorify Jesus in all my actions - even the ordinary ones.
I must remember that my faith is based on His grace and not my feelings.
But now, this is what the Lord says — He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” -Isaiah 43:1-2
So, if you can relate to this, keep going. There is power in pushing through the mundane things and being faithful where you are. When the Lord is silent, know that is not the end. The God who gives life to the dead is the God who wants to be with you today. Seek Him and I promise you it will be worth it.
One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. -Luke 16:10
These in-between transition seasons were meant to strengthen us. If you’re not out of the wilderness yet, you’re not alone, because you may just find that He was right there next to you all along, and a path that seemed to lead nowhere actually lead you right into the center of His will for your life. Because every season serves its own purpose, even the ones when God feels silent
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Anita is a wedding + portrait photographer traveling the world seeking stories. She comes alive when she sees her work influence others. An ENFP Type 9, Anita also likes waiting in line for TSA, creating YouTube videos, online shopping, pancakes for dinner, binge watching Parks and Rec and pretending she's on Chopped. If you want to see more from Anita you can visit www.anitalouise.co or follow on Instagram @anita.louisee.