Faith and Trust in Seasons of Transition
Summary
Seasons of transition can feel like standing in a hallway between what was and what is yet to come. In these moments, uncertainty and discomfort often arise, and it’s tempting to question God’s timing and methods. Yet, these seasons are not just about external circumstances, but about what God is forming within us. When doors close and the next step isn’t clear, the invitation is to trust God more deeply, to let go of our need for control, and to recognize that faith is most alive when we are required to use it. God’s faithfulness is not measured by our comfort, but by His unchanging character and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when we cannot see the way forward.
Reflecting on the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, we see a model for how to respond when faced with overwhelming odds. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah stood together in the face of fear, seeking God in prayer and fasting. They acknowledged their powerlessness and looked to God for help, standing united across generations. Instead of striving in their own strength, they listened for God’s word, worshipped before the victory, and praised God in anticipation of His deliverance. Their posture was not passive resignation, but active faith—standing firm, trusting, and worshipping even before the outcome was visible.
This season is a call to stand—together, in faith, in worship, and in expectation. It is a time to remember that the church is not defined by buildings or circumstances, but by the people who trust God and walk together through every season. God is preparing His people for greater things, and sometimes the greatest miracles come when we have reached the end of our own ability and simply stand, waiting for Him to act. The reward is not just survival, but blessing, growth, and a deeper experience of God’s faithfulness. As we stand, we declare that nothing is impossible for God, and we prepare to receive and celebrate what He will do.
Key Takeaways
- Standing in the Hallway: Transitional seasons often feel uncomfortable and uncertain, but they are opportunities for God to work deeply within us. Instead of asking “why,” shift the question to “what are you doing in me, Lord?” These are the moments where faith is refined and trust is deepened, even when answers are not immediate. [47:18]
- Faith Is Activated in Uncertainty: Faith is not needed when everything is clear and under control; it becomes real when we are at the end of our own resources. God only asks for a mustard seed of faith, and He delights in showing His power when we acknowledge our dependence on Him. The stories of Abraham, Noah, and others remind us that obedience in the unknown leads to God’s miraculous provision. [52:01]
- Generational Unity and Involvement: The strength of God’s people is found in standing together—men, women, and children—across generations. Every person, regardless of age or stage, has a role in the journey of faith, and the church is healthiest when all generations are engaged and learning from one another. This unity is both a source of encouragement and a testimony to God’s design for His people. [01:08:07]
- Worship and Praise Before the Breakthrough: True faith praises God before the victory is seen. Worship is not just a response to what God has done, but a declaration of trust in what He will do. Praising in the midst of uncertainty lifts our perspective and aligns our hearts with God’s promises, making room for Him to move in ways we cannot anticipate. [01:13:48]
- The Blessing of Standing Still: Sometimes God’s instruction is not to strive or fight, but to stand still and watch Him work. The battle belongs to the Lord, but the reward is given to those who trust and wait on Him. In these moments, God’s provision and blessing often exceed what we could have achieved through our own efforts, reminding us that His ways are higher than ours. [01:15:34]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:27] - Opening Prayer and Encouragement
[44:54] - Navigating Seasons of Transition
[46:21] - Wrestling with Uncertainty and Trust
[47:18] - What Is God Doing in Us?
[48:42] - Battling Fear and Negative Thoughts
[50:22] - God’s Faithfulness Despite Challenges
[52:01] - Faith as the Substance of Hope
[53:26] - Remembering God’s Past Faithfulness
[54:13] - The Power of Generational Involvement
[57:11] - Standing Firm, Not Striving
[58:03] - The Story of Jehoshaphat
[01:04:00] - Believing God’s Word and Standing Together
[01:08:07] - Generational Faith and Unity
[01:13:48] - Praising Before the Victory
[01:15:34] - Receiving the Blessing and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Standing in the Hallway – Faith in Seasons of Transition
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 (The story of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah standing together in faith, prayer, and worship in the face of overwhelming odds)
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### Observation Questions
1. When King Jehoshaphat heard about the approaching armies, what was his first response, and what did he ask the people of Judah to do?
[[58:03]]
2. Who stood together before the Lord during this crisis, and what does the passage say about the involvement of different generations?
[[01:02:20]]
3. What specific instructions did God give to the people of Judah through Jahaziel, and how did they respond?
[[01:09:42]]
4. At what point did the people begin to worship and praise God—before or after the victory?
[[01:13:48]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah chose to seek God in prayer and fasting instead of immediately preparing for battle? What does this reveal about their priorities and trust?
[[58:03]]
2. The sermon describes the “hallway” as a place between what was and what is to come. How does Jehoshaphat’s story help us understand what God might be doing in us during times of uncertainty?
[[47:18]]
3. The people praised God before they saw the outcome. What does this teach us about the nature of faith and worship in difficult seasons?
[[01:13:48]]
4. The passage highlights generational unity—men, women, and children all standing together. Why is this significant for the church today, and what might we miss if we don’t involve all generations?
[[01:08:07]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to shift from asking “why is this happening?” to “what are you doing in me, Lord?” Think of a current or past season of uncertainty in your life. What might God have been forming in you during that time?
[[47:18]]
2. Jehoshaphat admitted, “We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” When was the last time you felt powerless or unsure of the next step? How did you respond, and what would it look like to bring that situation to God in prayer and surrender?
[[01:01:20]]
3. The people of Judah stood together—across generations—in faith and prayer. How can you intentionally include or encourage someone from a different generation in your faith journey this month? Is there a practical way you can serve or learn from them?
[[01:08:07]]
4. The sermon says, “True faith praises God before the victory is seen.” Is there an area in your life where you are waiting for a breakthrough? What would it look like to worship and thank God in advance, even before you see the answer?
[[01:13:48]]
5. Sometimes God’s instruction is to “stand still and watch Him work.” Are there situations where you tend to strive or try to control the outcome? What would it mean for you to “stand still” and trust God this week?
[[01:11:40]]
6. The story ends with the people receiving blessings they didn’t fight for. Have you ever experienced God providing in unexpected ways when you let go of control? Share a story, or if not, what would it look like to trust God for provision in your current season?
[[01:14:38]]
7. The sermon reminds us that the church is not defined by buildings or circumstances, but by people who trust God and walk together. How can you help build unity and faith in our church family during this season of transition?
[[50:22]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person trust Him more deeply, stand together in faith, and worship Him in every season.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God’s Work Within During Uncertain Transitions
Transitional seasons often feel like standing in a hallway—caught between what has passed and what is yet to come. These moments bring discomfort and uncertainty, tempting us to question God’s timing and methods. Yet, these seasons are not merely about external changes but about the internal work God is doing in our hearts and character. Instead of asking “Why is this happening?” the invitation is to ask, “What are You doing in me, Lord?” This shift opens the door for faith to be refined and trust to deepen, even when answers remain unseen.
In these times, faith is not passive but active, calling us to lean into God’s presence and allow Him to shape us. The discomfort is a sign that God is at work, molding patience, perseverance, and dependence on Him. Remember, God’s faithfulness is not measured by our comfort but by His unchanging character and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when the path ahead is unclear. [47:18]
Psalm 37:7-9 (ESV)
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can stop striving and instead ask God, “What are You doing in me right now?” How can you practice waiting patiently on Him today?
Day 2: Faith Ignited When Control Slips Away
Faith is not required when life is clear and under control; it is activated in moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. When we reach the end of our own resources, God asks only for a mustard seed of faith—a small, simple trust that He is able. This faith delights God because it acknowledges our dependence on Him rather than our own strength. The stories of Abraham stepping into the unknown, Noah building an ark before the flood, and others remind us that obedience in uncertainty invites God’s miraculous provision.
In these moments, faith becomes the substance of hope, the anchor that holds us steady when the future is unclear. It is not about having all the answers but about trusting God’s promises and character. When faith is activated in uncertainty, it reveals God’s power and deepens our relationship with Him. [52:01]
Habakkuk 2:3-4 (ESV)
“For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.”
Reflection: Identify one situation where you feel out of control or uncertain. What is one small step of faith you can take today to trust God’s promises despite the unknown?
Day 3: Strength in Generational Unity and Shared Faith
The strength of God’s people is found in standing together—men, women, and children united across generations. Every person, regardless of age or stage, has a vital role in the journey of faith. The church flourishes when all generations are engaged, learning from one another and encouraging each other. This unity is not only a source of strength but also a powerful testimony to God’s design for His people.
When families and communities stand together in faith, they create a legacy of trust and hope that transcends time. This generational involvement fosters resilience and reminds us that we are part of a larger story, one that God is writing through many lives. Embracing this unity invites us to support and be supported, growing stronger as one body. [01:08:07]
Joel 2:28-29 (ESV)
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.”
Reflection: Who in your family or church community can you intentionally encourage or learn from this week? How can you foster deeper connection across generations in your faith journey?
Day 4: Worship as a Declaration Before the Victory
True faith praises God before the victory is visible. Worship is not merely a response to what God has done but a bold declaration of trust in what He will do. Praising God in the midst of uncertainty lifts our perspective beyond present fears and aligns our hearts with His promises. This posture creates space for God to move in ways beyond our expectations.
When worship becomes an act of faith, it transforms our outlook and strengthens our hope. It reminds us that God is sovereign and that His plans are perfect, even when we cannot yet see the outcome. Praising before the breakthrough is a powerful spiritual discipline that prepares us to receive God’s blessings with joy and confidence. [01:13:48]
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Reflection: What is one way you can worship God today despite uncertainty or fear? Can you write a short prayer or song of praise declaring trust in His future work?
Day 5: The Blessing Found in Standing Still and Trusting
Sometimes God’s instruction is not to strive or fight but to stand still and watch Him work. The battle belongs to the Lord, and those who trust and wait on Him receive the reward. In these moments of stillness, God’s provision and blessing often surpass what we could have achieved through our own efforts. This teaches us that His ways are higher and His timing perfect.
Standing still is not passive resignation but an active posture of faith and expectancy. It requires courage to release control and trust God’s sovereignty. When we stand firm, we declare that nothing is impossible for God and prepare ourselves to receive and celebrate His miraculous work. [01:15:34]
Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV)
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.’”
Reflection: Is there a situation where God is calling you to stop striving and simply stand in faith? How can you practice trusting Him more fully in that area starting today?
Quotes
And, no, it can be a bit daunting at times when you're in the hallway, as they call it, where one door is sort of shut, one season is done, and a new season is awaiting. And you know that season is coming, but it isn't quite there yet, and you're in the hallway. And I've been meditating on that for a little while. And I'm going to be honest today about some of the journey that I've been taking with that because, you know, when you're in the hallway, it's quite hard sometimes. [00:44:54]
You know, and there will be seasons in life where we feel we're in the hallway between the was and the is to come. I don't like those seasons. Can I be honest with you? I hate it. It's uncomfortable. You know, I'd rather know what's happening. I am an organized person. I'm like, God, I need to know. I need to know what you're going to do next. Because how are we supposed to lead your church if we don't know what you're going to do next? And he's like, Rachel, you just need to trust me. [00:46:32]
You know, sometimes these seasons aren't so much about what is happening in our world. It's actually what he's doing in us. [00:46:58]
In those moments, the times between the promise and the miracle, that nothing is impossible, what do we do? You know, God's got a sense of humor, doesn't he? Because at the end of last year, he spoke very clearly to Nathan and I that this was a year where nothing is impossible. [00:47:23]
Who knows that the enemy doesn't like when you start declaring that nothing is impossible? He doesn't like it. He does not like it. And sometimes we don't see the miracle yet. We're standing, we're waiting, we're persevering. And sometimes all you can do is stand. [00:47:37]
And the truth is, we actually will be a little short. But we have been promised time and time and time again that, you know, that everything is going to be covered. And so we stand on that word. Just a couple of weeks ago, we were feeling a little bit like, oh my gosh, Lord, how are you going to do this? And then Pastor Chris Hodgman comes here and prophesies over the two of us and says there's a gap and God's filling the gap. Time and time again, God is speaking life and speaking what the promise is and how it's going to come. But at the moment, we're in the hallway and we're waiting for it to be fulfilled. [00:47:59]
You know, I thought that was our training ground. Fear attacked me. I remember being in the car with Nathan and I'm like nearly hyperventilating going, I don't, what if this never happens? Like people are going to go, like, you know, you've let us down the garden path. You know, I'm starting, the devil's starting to get in here. Then I had someone who had really good intentions say, you know, have you felt a little bit like you're couch surfing? And I went, yeah, no, in jest, you know. I went, yeah, it does feel a bit like we're couch surfing at the moment. That's before we got Scotia Place. [00:48:56]
But that one line, the enemy went, ha, ha, you're couch surfing. You don't even have a place to reside. You know, people are going to get sick of couch surfing after a while. They're going to hate going from building to building. They're going to do this and that and the other. So we're away on holidays and some of these thoughts are going through my mind and I'm just kind of, we're away as well, which makes it even harder. [00:49:30]
You know, and I see the teams are flourishing, you know, and you see that people have grown in leadership and ability. Pastor Darren, you know, is just doing things he's never done before. And we're just like, wow, we're not even taking that back on, Pastor Darren. Well, you can keep doing it. [00:49:55]
As those thoughts came, I started to go, you know what? I cannot have these thoughts, you know. And I said, Lord, my church, our church is more mature than that. Our people are the church. We are not the building. We are not the chairs. We are going to see what God has promised. [00:50:44]
This thing is going to cost more than you can afford a big one. This is going to cost more. You know, you're not going to be able to pull it off. You know, and sometimes, you know, I may, well, I'm a financial person too, so crunching the numbers, you know, and going, we'll have to do this. Oh, we're going to have to do this, God. God, you're going to have to. And, you know, I'm trying to find all the ways that we can make it happen. And that's a good thing to do because you've got to be a good steward of what God has, you know, given you. And then I felt God wake me up one night, and I'm laying there, and I was having a bit of anxiety, and he said clearly to me, he said, Rachel, I can wake somebody up in the evening. I saw a businessman laying in his bed, and I can press on him that he needs to pay money towards the church. And I just went, whoa, I kind of went, that's a bit strange. [00:51:07]
And then God said to me, Rachel, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11 .1. That became alive in me again. All of a sudden it came alive. Faith is the substance. It's the reality of things that we're hoping for. It's the evidence of things not seen. See, faith only becomes faith when we have to use it. [00:52:15]
Hebrews 11 .2 goes on to say that by faith the people of old receive their commendation, like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. And I began to think of some of these people and went, wow. They faced great hardship. They did things that didn't make sense. Abraham went to a place he didn't even know where he was going to. Noah built a big whopping ark, you know, in the desert when there was no rain, because he had a promise from the Lord. [00:52:56]
And today I was looking around, I had little Sophia walking around with me. And Hannah, you're an amazing mum. You know, Hannah just brings Sophia to church all the time. She's a single mum. She worship leads. She's part of the team. She does everything. And Sophia is immersed in it all. When I go to Wednesday night prayer meeting, Hannah's there with her and Sophia's there worshipping. She jumps on the drum kit sometimes before they do prayer. She's trying everything, you know. And, you know, later on in life, those things will kick into her and they will make her be who God has called her to be. And I know Nathan was saying last week, parents, bring your kids to church. Please do it because these are the seasons, these seasons where we need the church. You know, we need every one of you in Pack Up and Set Up in Church Life. There is room for you to be involved. There are things that you can do and we need you. And you know what? It is the best thing for you. It's the best thing for your family. [00:54:31]
I would not be the leader I am today if we didn't do that community back in those days. And so then the Lord started saying to me, instead of looking at the negatives and being sorry for yourself, look at the positives of what I'm doing, Rachel. [00:55:31]
Faith is the substance of things hoped for. It's the evidence of things not seen. And so I started to look and I went, well, what are you doing, God? And now I'm starting to see the ones, the twos, the ones that are on team that are growing and doing new things. And it's getting me so excited on the inside because I see what God is doing and He's preparing His church for greater things. Amen? Greater things. [00:55:46]
So sometimes God calls us to stand. Stand in the place that we are and have faith to believe for what He has brought us to. Ephesians 6 .13 says, and this is a New King James Version, therefore take up the whole armour of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Have you ever been in that place where you feel like you've done everything you can do and then you just have to stand and trust God? I think that's where I found myself in this season because I'm quite a capable person, you know, and I always draw on every little thing I can think of to make things happen, you know, my own ability. [00:56:13]
But I'm standing here, God, and I'm trusting you and I will do whatever you tell me to do in this season, God. I look to you, Father, and I understand that even though the cloud is just out there and it hasn't come over yet, it's coming. And so, Lord, we thank you for that. And that's where I find myself. So God calls us not to strive harder, but to stand firm. [00:57:10]
When I read this passage of scripture, I just really felt the Holy Spirit and I really hope that you get spoken to this morning. So it speaks about Jehoshaphat, King Jehoshaphat, who was a godly king. He followed the ways of the Lord. He was a great leader in his time. He trusted God for the people of Israel. The Bible says he didn't do anything wrong. He was a great king. [00:58:18]
I just want to pause there. You can see what's going on there. He's terrified, but he's calling on the Lord. He's standing there and he's saying, Lord, you are the God. You have promised this. You have said this. And that's where I found myself. I'm like, God, I'm standing before you and I'm calling on you because you have promised it. I'm at the end of my ability, but I know that you are the God of the impossible. You are going to do what you say. And I hear this in Jehoshaphat's voice. He's calling on the Lord in front of all the people and he's standing in the place, in the hallway, crying out to God to see the miracle happen. [01:00:49]
Oh, our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking for you to help. Can I pause there again? Just to be honest, in this season, I've gone, God, we've done everything right. We've loved your people. [01:01:46]
the Lord with their little ones, with their wives and their children. I love that. And all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives and children. The Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jehaziel, son of Zechariah, son of Benaniah, son of Jael, son of Mataniah, a Levite who was a descendant to Asaph. He said, listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem. Listen King Jehoshaphat, this is what the Lord says, do not be afraid, don't be discouraged by this mighty army for the battle is not yours but God's. Tomorrow march out against them, you will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jael. But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions. Then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. Oh, I see them. I think, you know, sometimes when we stand still, we're not just standing like this. Sometimes standing still is a defensive pose. [01:02:23]
Early the next morning, the armies of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way, Jehoshaphat stopped them and said, listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem, believe in the Lord your God and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets and you will succeed. Believe in the word. [01:04:08]
So my first point this morning is, number one, they stood in the face of fear. This morning, we're going to do these points and then we're going to make a declaration after every one of those. And I believe this is a spiritual moment that we're standing the ground right now. We're going to take our stance and we're going to believe God for what He's going to do. [01:06:07]
All Judah gathered, men, women, and children. It wasn't just limited. You know, what we're doing with our kids at the moment, I've been working with Jaden, is that what we're learning here, they're learning in there. Because we want the same Word to be permeated even in their lives. That they become the army of the Lord. That they join the ranks of what we're doing here together. [01:06:48]
Some victories are won corporately. You are not alone, there are others standing with you. So in this season, our first declaration is, we are going to increase prayer. And I think that was going to come up there, our declaration. We are going to increase prayer. [01:07:16]
God honors people who stand united in worship and humility. Even the children stood. It was generational faith. [01:08:38]
Do you know, I am so blessed by Mary. I am so blessed by Beryl, by Adrian and Joy. And, you know, from the oldest to the youngest, I have been spending time in kids with Jayden and the team. And those kids blow me away with their faith. It's generational faith. Do you know, Pastor Nathan and I, we have always wanted a multi -generational church. And we believe that every generation should impart into the next generation because everybody has something to give and it's so healthy. And I am so thankful to God that we have a church like that. You know, and you know, this blows me away. We have over 50s mornings and all the young people want to come. [01:08:59]
2 Chronicles 20, 17 says, But you need not even fight. Take your positions, then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow for the Lord is with you. [01:09:05]
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