This word was submitted by Bret Wade (bwade@hiwaay.net)

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Stepping Stones in Transition

These are great times of transition in the Body of Christ! There are major things happening that we have prayer for and prophesied over the years. These are exciting times, but they are also stressful times. The old wine skin is not able to take us where God is heading with the Church. We are making a paradigm shift to a new wine skin. It's a new model that is forming. We have waited on it with expectancy! How we respond in this "now" prophetic season will determine our effectiveness in the future.

This is a time where there is major rearranging happening. Those who were not considered capable for the task at hand are surfacing as qualified and being strategically placed by the Spirit of the Lord. They are the hidden company of believers that have been waiting in the wings. What has qualified them? Their faith, patience and the process of God have qualified them. Though others would disdain them for how they would do things, they are the cream of the crop. They are Joshuas with a heart to possess and divide an inheritance to the people of God.

If you are one who is in this hidden company, I am writing this to you as one modern day Joshua to another. While in the process of transition, there are some stepping stones to follow that I have found to be trustworthy. They will keep you from being hindered in forward progress. The enemy would like nothing better than to distract you to cause you to lose your direction during times of transition. If he can keep you from advancing, he can keep you from getting into position to displace him.

DRAW CLOSER TO GOD: We must all make a choice when arising into that which God has prepared for us. It involves either following the direction that God has placed in our heart or giving into the desires of others. Draw closer to the Lord. Be a worshipper of God. There will be a rock solid assurance in your heart when you do this. It will come down to "but one thing I do" Phillipians 3:13. You must have a determination to press forward before setting out to do so.

FOCUS: It is vital that you get yourself focused and keep yourself from all distractions that would pull at you. Remind yourself that leaders never lose their focus. Someone will be following even though you may not consider yourself a leader. Lead yourself well and others will follow in your steps.

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

In transition, things change rapidly. Be careful what you get involved with at this time. Don't make long-term obligations without absolutely knowing that it is God's direction for you at this time. If in doubt, back up and pray until you know. Romans 8:6 says "to be spiritually minded is life and peace". God's direction will bring peace.

Everything the enemy will send your way right now is intended to pull you off course. Choose your battles wisely. Move forward and maintain course in spite of conflicting opinion and who chooses to stay behind.

KEEP PEACE: Maintain and keep peace at all costs. Understand that often the enemy will use those around you. Do not burn bridges. You will just have to go back and rebuild. Your effectiveness in the future will be determined by how you respond now. It will either be with a forgiving attitude or bitterness.

Beware of anger and bitterness. It will set you back in your forward progress. Bitterness is an indicator of pride yet to be dealt with. Repent now. Bitterness will only fuel an unruly tongue. Watch that little member! Pass up opportunities to give a piece of your mind! Only say what is needed, do not try and justify your direction or come against another's. It takes a response of humility to agree quickly with your adversary at your expense.

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. Hebrews 12:14-15

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:23-25

Do not choose sides on issues. Try and resolve issues if possible but not at the cost of relationships. In times of transition, it is difficult to resolve issues because change is likely being resisted. If it is justice that is ought after, you must discern the condition and intent of your heart. What spirit are you operating out of? Can this wait? If you can wait, attitudes will often change.

You can differ, but do it in love. It is very easy to see hypocrisy in others. We must repent for the hypocrisy that we see rather than attacking our brothers and sisters in Christ. Stay in a repentant state before God.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12

GET YOUR HEALING: Before entering into that new thing that the Lord has for you, get healed and delivered of the past. Whatever it takes! Don't let past hindrances become present hesitations. Enter into the new with wholeness! There is something about being free that causes a refreshing for possessing the next thing ahead of you!

If you'll do these things, you'll come through much easier. Follow the Lord and possess!

Pursuing Christ,
Bret A.Wade