Finding Meaning in the Middle of Change ಮಾದರಿ

Stuck in the Middle

Change and growth rarely happen in your comfort zone. When change comes, it often forces you out of where you are and takes you where you need to be. Sometimes this change is a choice, but often it’s out of our control. When this happens, it’s easy to rush to the resolution and miss all that God wants to teach us in the middle.

The Israelites experienced this with Moses as they fled Egypt. They were going to the Promised Land—the place they had longed to be for decades. Early in their journey, they saw God’s miraculous power when He split the Red Sea as the Egyptians pursued them:

... the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians ... and when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him. Exodus 14:29-31 NIV

Yet, it didn’t take long for the Israelites to become uncomfortable. 

They began complaining to Moses about the lack of water and food on their journey. So, God provided water and manna to the people every morning—which they tried to hoard for themselves instead of trusting in God to provide. 

Another mistake they made in the middle was growing impatient with Moses as he met with God. Because of their impatience, Aaron, Moses’ brother, made a golden calf for the Israelites to worship. 

When they finally made it to the outer borders of Promised Land, God took Moses up to Mount Nebo where he could look over into the land. Then, God announced that the entire generation, including Moses, would not enter into the land because of their disobedience. 

Moses and the Israelites had not fully embraced what God was teaching them in the middle—that He is their provider, healer, and redeemer. 

So, the next time you find yourself in the middle of the change, don’t worry about rushing through to the other side. Instead, walk with God step-by-step. Lean into Him, knowing that God often uses those messy, transitional moments to bring us closer to Him. 

Prayer: God, thank You for being with me in the middle of changes. They aren’t always fun, but I know that I am never in them alone. Thank You for never wasting my pain, and help me draw nearer to You through painful seasons. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Read Psalm 46:1. Reflect on what it means for God to be our refuge. What does this look like today? How have you seen God be a refuge in your life?