Shift Happens
Navigating the Seasons of Life
Full of unexpected twists and turns, and often, just when you get comfortable, something in life changes. Maybe it's a new job, a move, a relationship ending, or a sudden health issue. No matter the circumstance, one thing is certain: shift happens. As the beloved character Forrest Gump said, albeit more colorfully, "S--- happens." It's a simple yet profound statement that reminds us that life can be unpredictable and that changes—both good and bad—are inevitable.
But how do we manage these shifts? How do we maximize our potential while staring at life's constant changes? And perhaps most importantly, how do we make sense of it all?
Change is Inevitably Constant
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us,
"To everything, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
Life is made up of seasons. Just as the earth goes through its natural cycles of spring, summer, fall, and winter, we too, experience emotional, spiritual, and physical seasons. Some are filled with growth and abundance, while others are characterized by loss or hardship.
These seasons are unavoidable. The quicker we accept that change is inevitable, the easier it becomes to navigate the shifts. Shifts aren't just luck—they're a part of the natural ebb and flow of life. Just as a tree must shed its leaves to survive winter and bloom again in the spring, so must we adapt to the changes around us.
However, the inevitability of change doesn't mean we are powerless in its wake. How we respond to shifts is crucial in determining whether we will flourish or flounder.
Embrace the Shift
When Forrest Gump's famous line, "S--- happens," or the substance he refers to hits us, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether we're dealing with the loss of a loved one, job instability, or even a spiritual dry spell, it's tempting to get stuck in the chaos. But the Bible offers a different perspective. James 1:2-4 says,
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Shifts are not meant to destroy us; they are intended to define us.
Trials have a way of pushing us out of our comfort zones and forcing us to grow. In the tough seasons of life, we often learn the most about ourselves and God. So rather than resist the shift, embrace it. Trust that there is a greater purpose at work within us than any problem at work around us.
Maximize the Shifts – Here's how:
Shift Your Perspective When life shifts, your first step should be to shift your perspective. Romans 12:2 tells us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." A mind focused on God's goodness will help you see change not as a setback but as a setup for something greater.
Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" try asking, "What can I learn from this?" or "How is this shift making room for new growth in my life?"
Adapt and Move Forward Just as a tree bends in the wind to avoid breaking, we must learn to adapt to life's challenges. Philippians 4:12-13 says, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation... I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."
Adapting doesn't mean compromising who you are but finding ways to thrive despite the change. In every shift, there's an opportunity to grow, to find strength you didn't know you had, and to move forward with resilience.
Rely on God's Timing Shifts often challenge our sense of timing and control. We want things to happen quickly and systematically. We want immediate results and avoid the discomfort of waiting. But God's timing is perfect, even if we don't always understand it.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Trust that God's plan is unfolding, even if the shift feels like a detour or a delay.
Stay Rooted in Faith In seasons of shift, staying grounded in your faith is essential. Like a tree deeply rooted by streams of water, we must remain connected to the source of our strength—God. Psalm 1:3 says, "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."
Prayer, scripture, and community are key elements to staying rooted. When life shifts, these practices will help you stay anchored in the truth, even when everything around you is deceptive and changing. Like a compass, prayer, community, and scripture keep you pointing "true north."
Shifts Are Opportunities
While Forrest Gump was right in saying that "S--- happens," the truth is shifts happen too—and often, they are far from random. Each shift is an opportunity to grow closer to God, discover new strengths, and become more of who we are created to be.
Change is inevitable, but having a choice of how we handle it is also inevitable. By shifting our perspective, adapting with grace, trusting God's timing, and staying rooted in faith, we can survive the seasons of life and maximize every shift for our good and His glory.
*Sorry if this post was a little too odoriferous. 😊