Transition Series – Adapting to Winds of Change

I’ve been studying some tropical trees that weather storms well. They can sway and bend almost to the ground in severe tropical winds. Their root structure is the key. Their root system must be very strong, very firm; immovable. However, up where the wind is blowing, they have to be flexible. When winds of change begin to blow around us, we need to be flexible. We don’t know when the Lord is going to come to us and say, “Let’s go this way.”

This is harder for some and easier for others. Prophets love change. They change everything all the time. They want it yesterday. Teachers like everything a little in advance and well-planned out. We are all different. Regardless of our personality or gifting, we all have to be flexible during seasons of change. As long as we are rooted deeply in Christ’s love for us and in His Word, and as long as we are seeking Him every step of the way, we will get there. He can work with us.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7; ESV)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

• It’s difficult to know how to move forward if you are not grounded in Christ. You’ll end up tossed to and fro with every wind; shifting with the sand beneath your feet. Get your Bible out and start reading in the Book of John. Get to know Jesus all over again! Read it in an unfamiliar version, if need be. On Christ, the solid Rock, you will stand.
• Ask God to show you how to move with any winds of adversity you are facing, so your flexibility will get you through.
• Look at the Book of John again. Begin to pray through that wonderful Book. Pray the words into your life and relationship with Him. Pray the scriptures over the nation, as well. (See below for an example.)
• Ask God to grace the Body of Christ with flexibility, while holding on firmly to the truth of His Word.

A prayer you can pray:

Father, what a wonderful example we have in that palm tree. It has roots so strong that monsoons have trouble uprooting them. They stand for 100 years, solidly in the place You set them, immovable, yet bending with the winds and storms in order to survive. Show me how to get through the situations I face, beginning with a firm foundation in Jesus. Where do I need to be ready to be flexible, following the leading of the Holy Spirit? My dogmatic rigidity can cause me to miss You. I want to move with You. My country needs this as well. Politically, on the right and on the left, we are convinced we are on the right side. Well, let’s look at the Word and see what it says, putting our roots down deep into that Rock. Jesus, You are the Word of God. You have always been and will always be. Everything that was made was made with You in the middle of it. If that’s the case, then I can trust what You are making in my life and in the land now. You are life and it is not possible to truly live without You. You are light. Your light shines in the darkness, unveiling everything the enemy is doing. Darkness cannot overcome You, which means the Church will overcome in You! You illuminate the dark places as I walk forward. You are faithful to lead, guide, and direct my life. You are able to lead this nation out of darkness, as well. Nothing is too dark, too far gone, or too big, for You to shift and maneuver into Your righteousness. Keep revealing Yourself to me and reminding me of the Rock that You are, as I pray through John. I want to stand firm in You, while I am make flexible as I am directed by You, for Your name’s sake. Amen.

Today’s decree:

Christians who have their roots deep in Christ will make him known in this nation and all over the world.