Encouragement for Living on Purpose: Living the Life That God Ordained for You a 5-Day Devotional by Crystal W. DavisSample

Purpose Day 4: The Middle of Transition “And they journeyed from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the Wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they departed from the land of Egypt.” ( Exodus 16:1, NKJV) One tradition accompanying the beginning of a new year is making New Year’s Resolutions. Usually, around the last week of a year, people start making lists of what they hope to resolve in the coming year. One by one, they list the do's and don’ts of a new and better life. However, many New Year’s Resolutions do not last past the year’s first month, even with good intentions. Nonetheless, when we use the word resolution, change is the expected outcome. In Exodus 16:1, the children of Israel find themselves in the middle of transition. However, this move was not just a geographical change. It was a relational transformation. God’s chosen people were about to enter a new dimension in their relationship with Him. Was it a smooth shift? No. Israel murmured and complained the whole time (Exodus 15:24, 16:3). They failed to realize that God was still in control and had a plan and purpose for their plight. Like Israel, we sometimes find ourselves in the middle of transition. And yet, during these times, God builds character and tests our faith to produce endurance. (James 1:2-3). So, my challenge for us today is to dive deep into the presence of God. Let’s choose our words wisely and not allow the enemy to take us down a path of murmuring and complaining. Instead, let glory, honor, and praise unto the Lord flow from our lips. Daily Prayer Father, in my transition season, help me to trust and remain focused on You. Holy Spirit, I look to You to lead and guide me through life’s terrain, not allowing me to be caught in a lapse of time that has not been appointed to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Daily Affirmation I decree that on the other side of the transition is an assignment only I can fulfill.