CONCERT OF PRAYER
Pray Week 694
“Transition Zone”

Psalm 23:1-6 (NCV) The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in green pastures. He leads me to calm water. He gives me new strength. He leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name. Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because you are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me. You prepare a meal for me in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head; you fill my cup to overflowing. Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
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Life is full of high and low experiences. Sometimes we long for some sense of stability – neither high nor low- just predictable sameness. Yet it seems that when we do have an extended period of stability we find ourselves without peace and worrying about when the ‘other shoe will drop’ and the roller coaster ride to begin again. Many of us expect our lives as Christian believers to be a continual, joyous mountaintop experience. We become disillusioned when we or someone we care about goes through a difficult and protracted valley experience. Jesus was very clear that our Christian walk was not going to be without difficulty.

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:32

Our life on earth is like a transition zone. Through Jesus Christ we have eternal life with the Father and He has a purpose to fulfill in us and through us during our time on earth. As we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd makes sure we have everything we need. God does not guarantee that we will have everything that our flesh desires and wants. This is the battle that ensues in the transition zone – the war between our flesh and our spirit. One wants all the pleasures of this world and the other desires to follow Christ. The war is won by the one that is fed the most. Do you feed the flesh its every worldly desire or do you deny the flesh and feed your spirit the Word of God? Far too many of us perpetuate the battle through a compromised lifestyle where we feed a little to both.

“…No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” – Luke 16:13

The Lord leads you to times of stability and rest in green pastures and calm water. This is a time of spiritual strengthening and physical rest.

Jesus leads us on right paths. These paths can be difficult and trying. It is on these paths that our faith is deepened and our trust in Him is strengthened. It is on these paths that we learn to rely completely on Him and to seek first what is most important – i.e.: His kingdom and His righteousness. It is on these paths that our life work brings Him glory.

Dark valley experiences are part of our transition zone. Sheep are notoriously skittish and easily frightened animals yet they are comforted by the presence of their Shepherd. We too need to remain close to Jesus, our Good Shepherd so that we can be comforted by His voice and encouraged by His presence and power.

We are all in transition zones – some in places of rest, others on difficult paths and dark valleys. We are all led by the same Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Fix your eyes on Him. Keep your ears attuned to His voice and be ready to obey and follow as He leads and you will enjoy His goodness and mercy. Be encouraged by an eternal perspective with the knowledge that you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God.