Change can be difficult. Even when we know that God is behind the change, stepping into the unknown requires faith and courage. As Christians, we can take comfort in the fact that God will never shift us without a purpose or plan. Though we may not understand it at the time, we can trust that He is moving us into something better.
Key Takeaways:
- God’s shifts are purposeful, not random. He has a plan to prosper us.
- Seasons of transition test our faith and reliance on God.
- Change brings opportunity for growth. God desires to develop new giftings and strengths in us.
- Adjusting our mindset and expectations positions us to embrace God’s new assignment.
- There is grace, strength and provision for every role God appoints us to.
- Staying close to God brings clarity and direction when things feel foggy.
- We must let go of the old to fully step into the new thing God is doing.
When we feel God shifting things in our lives, it’s natural to have questions and even concerns. However, we can find peace and encouragement from the stories of biblical figures who experienced major transitions under God’s direction. In this season, God is inviting you into a new level of trusting Him. As you choose to lean on Him, He will lead you each step of the way.
Viral Believer is reader-supported. We may earn a small fee from products we recommend at no charge to you. Read Our Affiliate Disclosuree
Abram’s Call Out of Ur
Abram’s story reminds us that following God’s shifts can require big leaps of faith. In Genesis 12, God directed Abram to leave behind everything familiar and journey to a new land:
Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him (Genesis 12:1-4 NKJV)
This was no small ask! God directed Abram to leave behind his comforts, community and country. Yet Abram obeyed, “not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8). Abram trusted that the discomfort of the shift would lead him into greater purpose and promise.
When God shifts us into unfamiliar territory, He often calls us to let go of some comforts and securities we’ve depended on. However, if God is the one initiating the change, we can trust His guidance and provision. The unfamiliarity may feel daunting, but there is greater purpose on the horizon.
Take Abraham’s cue: When the Lord shifts you, obey even when the destination is unclear. God will lead you each step of the way into new blessings.
Joseph’s Shift into Slavery
Few of life’s shifts are more drastic than the one Joseph experienced in Genesis 37. In an instant, Joseph was ripped away from his doting father, betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery in Egypt. The comforts and significance he had known vanished.
Yet this tremendous shift ultimately saved Joseph’s family and multitudes more from famine, fulfilling the prophetic dreams God had given him (Genesis 37:5-11). In Egypt, Joseph rose to leadership by correctly interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, warning of the coming famine and preparing food stores to sustain the region. When his brothers arrived in Egypt desperate for provisions, Joseph was able to say,
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20 NKJV)
At the time, Joseph could not have imagined how God would use slavery to position him for such influence. Yet the Lord transformed Joseph’s adversity into abundant provision for countless others.
When something is shifting you into unfamiliar or unwanted circumstances, remember Joseph. There is purpose in the discomfort. Your shift may be preparing you to bless others down the road in ways you can’t yet see. Trust God’s guiding hand through transitions big and small.
David’s Shift from Shepherd to King
David’s ascent from lowly shepherd to King of Israel reminds us that promotion often follows unseen preparation. As the youngest son in his family, David seemed an unlikely candidate for leadership. Yet God saw in David a loyal heart despite his humble beginnings.
The prophet Samuel recounts when David was selected and anointed as King in 1 Samuel 16:
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed [David] in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. (v. 13)
Though David was anointed as king, he would not immediately take the throne. In the in-between, David faced rejection and adversity that God used to shape his character. When David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life in 1 Samuel 24, he chose integrity. When military victories lent David fame and power, he continued to seek the Lord with humility (2 Samuel 5:12).
David’s responses in those interim years prepared him for the responsibilities of the crown. By the time David inherited the kingdom, he had developed discernment and resisted the pride that could have steered him off course. The wilderness years refined David’s wisdom, courage and leadership—crucial training for a king.
God often allows a gap between our new assignment and our promotion into it. Those in-between times build our character, trust in God, and equip us for what’s ahead. Don’t despise small beginnings or obscure seasons. If God has shifted you into a new direction, trust that unseen growth is happening. Let your character speak louder than your credentials. Humble service in the small things today prepares you for greater influence tomorrow.
Peter’s Shift from Fisherman to Church Leader
Few biblical figures experienced more drastic change than the apostle Peter. Jesus invited this gruff fisherman to leave his nets and follow Him (Luke 5:1-11). Peter was a quick-tempered workman, yet Christ saw the potential in him.
As part of Jesus’ core team, Peter witnessed incredible miracles and gained new revelation. Yet Peter’s faith and courage still had room for growth. Fearing for his own safety, Peter vehemently denied knowing Jesus after Jesus’ arrest (Luke 22:54-62). Peter recognized his own weakness and wept bitterly.
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, God shifted Peter into one of the most prominent leadership roles in church history. Empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter preached boldly and became foundational in establishing the early church (Acts 2). The timid fisherman was transformed by Grace into a fearless church pillar, leading many to Christ.
Like Peter, when God shifts us into new assignments, our insecurities and inadequacies may feel magnified. However, God does not choose leaders based on perfection but on willingness. If God has promoted you, do not discount yourself. Trust that His empowering grace is sufficient for each task He appoints you to. Allow God to shift you from clinging to your own abilities to relying wholly on His Spirit. As Peter discovered, we are strongest when leaning wholly on Him:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life… so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)
Adjusting to God’s Shifts
Seasons of transition can be turbulent, but we serve an anchor in the storm. Here are keys to navigating when God shifts your direction:
1. Release the old
When God says, “Leave this behind,” let go fully. Scrambling to keep a foot in the old will only hinder you from stepping into new promises. Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Keep your eyes forward.
2. Embrace mystery
Not knowing every detail of the future requires trust. Relinquish the need for a five-year plan. Be present where you are and faithful with what He’s given you today. God’s plan will unfold step-by-step as you walk with Him.
3. Adopt learner mentality
When shifting into something new, many feels out of their depth. Rather than let this intimidate you, embrace beginner’s mindset. No one masters a new skill overnight. Give yourself permission to learn, fail, and try again. Stay teachable.
4. Connect to community
Periods of change can feel lonely. Plug into a community of believers who can encourage you in the pivot process. The Body of Christ provides stability and support amid shifting seasons. Surround yourself with prayer warriors, mentors, and friends who cheer you on.
5. Take care of yourself
Big changes are taxing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Listen to your body’s signals. Get adequate sleep, nutrition, and times of rest to recharge. Protect time for activities that fuel you spiritually and bring joy. Guard your health fiercely in this season.
6. Stay intimate with God
When everything feels in flux, God is constant. Keep Him first through regular time in prayer, worship and the Word. Fix your eyes on who God is over what He’s doing. Deeper intimacy with Him brings peace and perspective amid turbulence. He is faithful.
7. Trust God’s timing
Waiting can be wearying. Yet God’s timing is perfect, worth the wait. “When the time had fully come, God sent his Son” (Galatians 4:4). Rest knowing that God moves at just the right moment. Until then, allow the waiting to strengthen your faith. The Lord is never early or late.
8. Leave room for detours
Not every shift leads straight from Point A to Point B. Sometimes God takes us on unexpected detours for our good. Be sensitive to His mid-course corrections. There is purpose in the deviations too. Keep step with the Spirit even when the journey meanders.
9. Seek confirmation
When experiencing major redirection, seek outside counsel to confirm it lines up with God’s heart for you. Prayerfully discuss with spiritual leaders you trust. The multitude of counselors brings wisdom and helps vet big decisions.
10. Thank God in the transition
Gratitude focuses our mind on God’s faithfulness, not the uncertainties ahead. As you embark on this new season, maintain a heart of praise for how God has led you thus far. Thank Him that where He guides, He provides.
Remember Who Leads You
Seasons of transition can feel unsettling. We desire the comfort of routine and predictability. Yet if we never left the familiar, we would never discover the new horizons God has for us. His gifts await beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones.
When God shifts your course, do not fear. The Shepherd knows the way, even when the path looks unclear. He equips those He has called. Each change of season is an opportunity to know Him in fresh ways as Provider, Sustainer, and Guide. The Lord promises to lead us into green pastures beside still waters (Psalm 23). He will not direct our steps into harm’s way.
There is grace, strength and provision for every leg of the journey because God ordained it. He will faithfully walk with you through this new season of shifting. Stay near to Him—through worship, prayer and time in the Word—to access His wisdom, discernment and comfort. As you embrace the change God is orchestrating, you will gain new ground and blessings meant just for you. Allow Him to expand your capacity, deepen your trust, and develop your character through this shift.
Realms unknown await as you follow Him into new adventures! The Lord is excited to reveal fresh glimpses of His glory and love tailored for who you are becoming. He sees your specific potential and purpose. This shift is not random; it is intentional. God has new graces, talents and gifts to unlock. Accept His invitation. Step forward in faith. The Lord will shift you into deeper relationship with Himself and greater kingdom impact. The best is yet to come!
