Life is filled with changes, both big and small. From the moment we’re born until the day we die, we’re constantly navigating endings and new beginnings. This is a reality for individuals, families, and United Methodist Churches across the conference. We are in the middle of a significant transition here at McPherson First United Methodist Church, saying goodbye to the familiar and stepping into the unknown.

Last week, as we explored Psalm 78, we discovered the power of sharing our unique stories and faith journeys. By sharing how God has worked, we deepen our understanding of God’s faithfulness and inspire and encourage others on their spiritual paths. Our stories testify to God’s unwavering love and constant presence, reminding us that God is always at work, even amid life’s challenges and transitions.

This week, as we turn to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we are reminded that life is a series of endings and beginnings, a constant ebb and flow of change. Just as our stories are marked by chapters that come to a close and new ones that begin, so are our lives marked by transition seasons. Feeling lost, uncertain, or even fearful of the future can be easy in these moments.

Yet, as we ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word, we find hope and reassurance. Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is a time for everything under heaven – a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to tear down, and a time to build up. These endings and beginnings are not random or meaningless but part of God’s more excellent work.

As we navigate the changes and transitions in our lives, remember that every ending holds the seeds of new beginnings. We can trust in God, who knows our stories and future, knowing that Jesus walks with us, guiding us toward growth, transformation, and a deeper relationship. God invites us to find peace and purpose in Christ, confident that God is with us every step of the way.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore what the Bible says about dealing with change. We’ll also use ideas from William Bridges’ book Transitions to guide us. Bridges suggests three main stages people go through during change: endings, the neutral zone (or wilderness), and new beginnings. Let’s take a look at the Bridges Transition Model:

The first stage is ending, which is about letting go of the way things used to be. Even when a change is good, leaving the old behind can cause a sense of loss. During endings, we might feel afraid, sad, resistant, or disoriented as we try to come to terms with loss.

Next comes the neutral zone or the wilderness in Biblical terms, the in-between time when the ending has happened, but the new beginning has yet to take shape. This stage can be uncomfortable because we don’t have our old patterns to rely on, but we have yet to develop new ones. We might feel confused, anxious, or uncertain in this wilderness. But it’s also a time of great possibility, a chance to be creative and open to new ideas.

Finally, we come to the stage of new beginnings, when we start embracing the new reality emerging after the transition. This involves creating a new sense of identity, figuring out new roles, and engaging in new ways of thinking and acting. New beginnings can be exciting and energizing but can come with lingering uncertainty as we adjust to the changes.

One key thing to remember about transitions is that they’re a process, not a one-time event. Moving through each stage entirely takes time, and the stages often overlap. By understanding these stages, we can better handle the challenges and opportunities that come with significant changes.

The Bible is filled with stories about people going through transitions. Think about the Israelites leaving behind slavery in Egypt to start their journey to the Promised Land. That was a tremendous ending, leaving everything they had ever known for generations. Or consider Jesus, who had to go through the pain and suffering of the cross before he could experience the joy and victory of the resurrection.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, the writer tells us,

“There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heaves.”

This passage lists all sorts of seasons – a time to be born and die, a time to plant and uproot, a time to weep, and a time to laugh. The point is that change is a natural part of life, woven into the very fabric of our existence.

But just because change is natural doesn’t mean it’s easy. Endings can be brutal. They often involve deep feelings of loss, uncertainty, and emotional pain. Our first reaction might be to avoid these problematic feelings at all costs. We might rush to the next thing, pretending the ending never happened. Or we might dig in our heels, stubbornly refusing to accept that things have changed.

The problem is that avoiding endings doesn’t make them go away. Trying to skip over the pain of an ending can keep us stuck, unable to move forward into the new beginning God has for us. It’s like planting a new garden without clearing away the old plants. New life can only flourish once we make space for it by dealing with what’s already there.

So, how do we deal with endings healthily and helpfully? Bridges suggests a few key things. First, we must let go of our old sense of identity. We must recognize that our past roles, relationships, or experiences do not define us. Second, we need to acknowledge that the way things were before could have been better. Every ending, even a painful one, is an opportunity for growth and transformation.

Third, we must be willing to sit with the discomfort and uncertainty of being between the old and the new. This part of the process can be challenging but invites deeper trust and reliance on God. Finally, we must actively detach from the past to embrace the future. This doesn’t mean forgetting what’s happened but loosening our grip on what’s already gone so we can receive what’s coming.

As we are in the middle of a pastoral transition, we naturally experience various emotions. Saying goodbye to Pastor Emily after five years may leave you sad, anxious, or unsettled. These feelings are valid, and it’s essential to feel them. This pastoral change can remind us that endings in life – whether job losses, relationships ending, or other transitions – are often challenging. While our culture may push for quick acceptance, it’s okay not to feel immediately happy or ready for change. Remember, grief looks different for everyone. The key is to acknowledge our feelings honestly. As we navigate this transition together, I invite you to be patient with yourself and each other, recognizing that healing and adjustment take time.

But here’s the good news: endings are not the end of our story. God is preparing our hearts and community for new growth and possibilities. Our job is to partner with God in that process – to grieve what needs to be grieved and to trust that new life is waiting.

In the coming weeks, be patient and compassionate with yourselves and each other. Share your stories and hopes. And most of all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. He knows what it’s like to navigate painful endings and walks with us, leading us into God’s abundant life.

Will you pray with me?

Gracious God, you hold our transitions. Comfort us in change, fill us with hope, and help us trust your constant love and power to bring new life. Guide us through our journey in the days ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~Pastor Andrew