Transitions

We all need allies in our lives who see or sense that the tide is turning and that it is time for us to make our exit. Sometimes, this involves an escape as we see in 1 Sam. 19:11-17. David’s wife, Michal, learned that her father, King Saul, planned to kill David. In response to this imminent threat, she warned David and helped him escape through a window in their house. When pressed by Saul’s men to let them in to see David, she concocted a story about David being sick (she even placed an idol with goat’s hair in David’s bed). When Saul eventually learned that David had escaped, he was not impressed.

Even though I wouldn’t condone Michal’s deception, I admire her courage in helping David escape the clutches of her father. Are we willing to take risks in our efforts to help others make necessary transitions? Perhaps, someone on your ministry or work team needs to transition to a different area. We all can benefit from allies who help us see the need for change and then support us as we make the transition.

Samuel was devastated over King Saul’s disobedience. He mourned for him. Yet, there came a time when Samuel needed to move on. “The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king’” (1 Sam. 16:1).

Even though it’s important that we process our losses in a healthy way, we need to eventually take steps through our grief – “to be on our way.” As leaders, we will sometimes be disappointed with others on the team (and them with us). They may be underperforming or even making unwise decisions. Obviously, we need to encourage them and provide what we can so that they can develop as leaders. Yet, sometimes, we need to simply move on to the next person that God has for the team (while helping the original person transition into the next ministry God has for him or her). It’s hard, but a necessary part of good team leadership.