On a recent trip I was driving back into British Columbia from the prairies and was struck by the massive mountain ranges guarding the entrance to this province. They are almost ominous looking as you drive towards them, standing as protectors of an entirely new land.
With the new presence of corners, reduced speed limits and narrowing roads, there is a sense that everything is about to change.
This transition point where the prairies meet the mountains is almost always turbulent. On my many trips back and forth through this area I have always encountered some kind of sudden change in weather, high winds or a storm.
The transition is messy.
The nature of this natural transition in the landscape mimics the spiritual and emotional atmosphere we can encounter in transitions in our own lives.
There is excitement over the future mixed with fear of the unknown as well as sadness over the loss of what was.
Turbulent for sure.
In this place our hearts cry for comfort. What will the new place we are going to be like? Will we be okay? Will we be alone?
We do a lot in our lives to try to avoid the unknown and maintain a sense of security. In transition trust is being demanded upon.
As I kept driving further in, the mountains began to surround me and this powerful thought dawned on me:
There is a road here.
There is a way through this precarious part of the journey, and it has been prepared for me ahead of time.
I can’t drive this road like I did the one before.
The pace is slower and it requires more concentration.
I don’t know what’s coming next or exactly where this is going; all I know is there is a road, I’m on it and it will lead to good.
It pre-existed my arrival here and has been created for me ahead of time.
Our ability to trust that we have a Father who has a purpose for us is closely linked to what we believe He feels towards us. Does He really care about us? Because if He cares He won’t abandon us. This isn’t mental assent to something we heard about God. When we go through turbulent seasons of transition there’s so much we need to know about our worth and His heart.
The mountains taunt, “Go back you are not cut out for this!”
The only thing that can silence the sound of their voice is a resonating assurance inside that we are not alone.
There is One with us leading us through it.
There is a road here.
Just. Keep. Going.
If you’re scared, tell Him. If you need assurance and comfort reach for Him. He wants to comfort us and give us what we need. You’re not alone. You are seen and valued.
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