Seasons of Growth: Nurturing Your Faith Through ChangeSample

Day 2: A Time to Move

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

-Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Biblical Focus: Moses in Exodus 2-3 and Nehemiah 1 & 3-4

Introduction: My Dad's Lemon Tree (Olaolu)

My dad planted a lemon tree in Northern Louisiana. Citrus trees prefer a tropical climate but can survive in subtropical climates with mild winters, so he figured he’d try. The seeds grew well indoors, so he moved them outside and began his journey!

My dad tended to the tree as it continued to grow throughout the year. It grew healthily throughout the summer and fall until mid-winter. The temperature dropped below freezing and the tree froze over! It seemed like his journey had abruptly ended until late spring when the tree began to produce green leaves again.

The only problem was the greenery only lasted until the next frost. I call this the “subtropical citrus loop" effect: environments in which marginal conditions create unreliable growth.

Devotion

The Subtropical Citrus Loop Effect

This is where some of us find ourselves. The dangerous thing about the subtropical citrus loop effect is that the glimpse of innovative ideas and change (or “new growth”) gives us the confidence that we are progressing towards our goals. In reality, our apparent growth is consistently destroyed by our environmental conditions like noxious people and circumstances. This leaves us with a common question: Is it time to move?

I wouldn't dare attempt to oversimplify this answer by giving a generic formula. Instead, I'll begin with one of my favorite scriptures. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:6‬ ‭NLT says‬‬, "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Start by praying, seeking God, and intently studying Biblical leaders like Moses who gave up luxurious living to lead the children of Israel (Exodus 2-3) and Nehemiah who overcame opposition and led the Jews to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1, 3-4). Both of these leaders had to move to fulfill their purpose. Let's discuss.

Our examples

The Bible described several common factors that led to Moses and Nehemiah's transitions. Their distinctive moves began with a discomfort with the status quo and ended with them fulfilling God's purpose.

Discomfort with the status quo. In Exodus 2:11-13, Moses confronted Egyptians who were abusing the Hebrews. Moses lived as an Egyptian and was "taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians" from 3 months old to 40 years old (Acts 7:20-23). That means he should've been acclimated to the way Hebrews were treated at that time. Even so, Moses was inspired to move. He knew that although he had authority associated with his position in the Egyptian kingdom, he lacked the influence he'd need to end the Israelites' captivity. In other words, he was unable to impact change where he was, so he knew it was time to move.

This is where our decision to move begins. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Does my work in my current environment inspire me?
2. Am I respected enough in my current environment to influence important decisions? Note: Respect and influence are earned. Consider whether you've been in your position long enough and consistently demonstrated the trustworthiness, proficiency, and authenticity required to earn respect and influence.
3. Am I receiving proper instruction (edification) to consistently improve spiritually and intellectually where I am?
4. What capacity do I have to make an impact on others in my current environment and fulfill God's purpose?

Managing emotions. Many of us experience a wide-range of emotions when we realize it's time to move. The initial passion we felt when we became uncomfortable with the status quo is overtaken by fear, doubt, disbelief, and eventually, apathy. In Nehemiah 1:2-4, Nehemiah wept when he heard that the Jews, who had returned from captivity, were not doing well and that the walls of Jerusalem were torn down. He knew that he would need to leave his position of authority and trust–cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes–to fulfill his purpose.

Nehemiah was admittedly terrified when the king asked him what was wrong in Nehemiah 2:2. What would've happened if he allowed that fear to overwhelm his need to fulfill his purpose? Maybe the walls wouldn't have been rebuilt to bring 40,000+ people back to Judah (Nehemiah 7:66). Maybe Nehemiah wouldn't have had the influence to defend the oppressed (Nehemiah 5:9-11) or bring hope to his dispirited and defenseless people. He would've been stuck in his own "subtropical citrus loop" of passion and apathy.

How do we overcome the emotions that keep us in similar subtropical citrus loops?

1. Acknowledge your emotions. Many of us attempt to suppress or deny our emotions to give the impression that we are "strong" without realizing that our true strength is revealed when we learn to properly manage our emotions.
2. Acknowledge your God. God is the source of our strength (Ephesians 6:10) who enables us to overcome crippling emotions as we find refuge in Him (Psalms 34:8). Pray for His strength, protection, and direction. By consistently doing so, God will grow your spiritual intuition and help you make judicious and timely decisions that align with His will.
3. Understand the origin of your fear. Moses argued with God in ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭6:30‬ ‭NLT ‬‬saying, “I can’t do it! I’m such a clumsy speaker! Why should Pharaoh listen to me?” God responded in Exodus 7:1-2 that Aaron will be Moses's prophet to speak to Pharoah. In today's world, we call that risk mitigation. Risk mitigation will lessen the quantity and negative impact of our impulsive moments.
4. Make a deliberate transition plan. Many success stories, including those in the Bible, seem like they are centered around an extremely spontaneous leader. Contrarily, successful moves begin with strategic planning. Nehemiah strategically requested and was given additional resources and authority from King Artaxerxes before he began his move (Nehemiah 2:7-8). Moses developed a strategic plan with God that caused Pharaoh to vehemently order Moses, Aaron, and the Children of Israel to "Get Out!" (Exodus 12:31) I firmly believe that God will use our innate skills and natural resources to achieve greatness, but we have to resist the urge to act on impulse.

Dealing with opposition and naysayers. If Moses and Nehemiah could speak to us today, they would remind us that the move may not be the most popular decision; thus, we will face opposition. Nehemiah inspired the people of Judah to fight and work when their enemies mocked them (Nehemiah 4:16-17).

1. Stick to the plan. Don't get distracted by what people around you are saying and/or doing to slow you down. Focus on the mission.
2. Maintain your integrity. Don't cut corners or compromise your values. People will lie as they did in Nehemiah 6. Don't waste time arguing with them. Instead, reaffirm your values, stance, and commitment, and get back to work!
3. Share your worries and frustrations with God and a trusted friend. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT says, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." Don't hold back, because God is totally committed to sharing this journey with you. Additionally, He gives us trustworthy people to lean on when the opposition's words or actions cut deep. You're not making this move alone.

Execute the move. Too often, we allow the noxious elements of our environment to stop us from executing the move we know we are supposed to make. We've heard from God, seen the signs, developed our plan, defeated the initial emotional rollercoaster, and now we are faced with taking that step of faith. Take the step!

You are no longer stuck in your subtropical citrus loop. God has given you the vision, resources, and plan to achieve greatness this season. Stop overanalyzing, have faith that God is in control, and understand that this is a purposeful transition.

Make the move!

Prayer

Father, thank You for being in control of every circumstance, regardless of the season. I know that I can put my trust in You because you have my best interest at heart, and You will cause me to thrive. Please exchange all of my fear, anxiety, and worries for the comfort that only You can provide. I feel Your pull to move, and I trust You with my life and future. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Continue the Discussion:

1. What factors (if any) are present in your life that indicate it's time to move?
2. A purposeful transition is a transition in pursuit of your God-given purpose. What is your purpose, and what steps are you taking to achieve that purpose?