This word is submitted by Teresa Seputis [ts@godspeak.net]

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                            Transition

Dear child, I have brought you through many places of transition in your
past, and I faithfully got you through each one. Transactions are awkward
and uncomfortable, but they are necessary in order to have growth. Do not 
fret when you are in that place of transition, for even in the driest
desert, I am there with you.

I have not left your side. Even when you are unable to sense My nearness,
I am still right there with you. My hand is still upon you for good, and 
I still love you dearly. My love for you is not based on your feelings,
and I remain faithful to you even when you go through a period of 
spiritual dryness.

I know that you love "feeling" My love and nearness. But do not fret when 
you do not "feel" as "spiritual" as you think you should, because our 
relationship is not based on how spiritual you feel. No, dear one, our
relationship goes much deeper than feelings--and I know how committed 
you are to obey Me, honor Me and to do My will. There will be days when
you are less successful at walking in the Spirit, and days when you 
are less able to sense My leading. But know that I do not stop loving 
you because you have one of those days, for I am your loving Heavenly 
Father. I do not disown My children for trivial things nor do I get 
angry at them for growing and maturing, even when they must go through 
one of those awkward periods of transition.

I want you to keep growing, that you might become more mature in Me. I
want to transform your character and your thinking to be more like My
own. And that is why I bring you through these times of transition--it
is never to punish you or to make you miserable, it is that you might
grow, so that you might walk into the fullness of all I created you to
be.

Yes, I understand that growth is uncomfortable at times, but it is
necessary. There will be times when I will withdraw the sense of My 
presence because of something that I am trying to accomplish in you. 
There are times when your spiritual growth requires that you stand in 
faith when I seem to be far away. There are times when you must continue 
to walk in My ways even though you feel "dry. 

Do not fret these times, for I am in them with you, and I will bring
you through them. I was never My plan to dump you in the desert and
to abandon you there. I am with you even when you cannot see Me. I am 
leading you through it, and I will bring you out the other side.