By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

Through seasons of change and transition, we can rest assured that one thing never changes, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever.” As we look at what the Bible says about the divisions of the year known as the seasons, we find assurance for the seasons of our lives as they change and transition. In the Bible, winter, spring, summer, and autumn are spoken about in relation to the agricultural
activities of planting, growing, and harvesting. The seasons of change and transition are also used to describe the lives of God’s people.

Everyone will experience change; however, change is not always the problem, it’s the transition or the adjustment to or acceptance of change. In other words, my difficulty lies in transitioning my internal
response to the external stimuli of change.

Change and transition are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings:
Change:
*Change refers to an alteration in a situation, circumstance, or condition. It can be external or internal.
*It is often visible and tangible—for example, moving to a new city, switching jobs, or adopting a new hairstyle.

Change can be sudden or gradual, and it can be planned or unexpected.
In an organizational context, change might involve restructuring, process improvements, technology upgrades or new leadership at the top.

Transition:
*Transition goes beyond the surface-level change. It encompasses the psychological and emotional process that accompanies change.
*It involves adjusting to the new reality, letting go of the old, and embracing the unknown.
*Transitions are more about the internal journey—the feelings, thoughts, and adaptations.
*In an organizational context it can be when someone retires: the change is leaving the workplace, but the transition involves finding a new sense of purpose and identity.

In summary, change is the external shift, while transition is the internal process of adapting to that change. Both are intertwined and essential for growth and development. And remember we can all rely upon the One who does not change, Jesus Christ, to help us face all of life’s personal transitions.