Faith in Transition

By Terry Austin CH, COL (RET)

Transition affects us all. It causes change in our lives, our families’ lives, and our friends’ lives. Whether we leave a church, a job, move to another town or base, transition causes us to refocus and reevaluate how we live and serve each day.

I knew it was coming. Like Job of old when he proclaimed, “For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me" (Job 3:25). After serving 36-plus years in the military, I hit the MRD (Mandatory Removal Date). That is when the military says it is time for you to take off the uniform and become a civilian.

My transition from military to civilian life is ongoing, and I suspect it will be for a long time. Some things will be decided quickly—like what I should wear, or what I should do today. But many decisions will have long-term impact on me and my family—where we will live or attend church, how we will serve in the community, and how we will serve our Lord.

These life-altering decisions are not limited to one particular phase of life; they are present throughout life. Yet, there are times when these decisions are more demanding, and maybe the stakes are higher. For example, I may want to make a change in my life, but it is not a good time for my spouse or children to make that change. So, I must recognize that now simply may not be the right time. Your desire can be completely right, just with wrong timing.

Throughout life, you will encounter transitions. Some transitions you have to do, and others you choose to do. Regardless of all the preparation and conversations with and advice from family and friends, we will still exercise our faith when we choose to do what we believe is the will of God for our lives.

Although I knew I was getting out of the military, I still was not quite ready for it. It took faith to make this transition and continued faith as I seek God’s will in my future service to Him. Perhaps Ecclesiastes 3:1 says it best, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”

Just because we are Christians, we are not exempt from theses uncertain phases of life. Just know it is coming and keep the faith. He will lead you…us…through.

About the Writer: Colonel Terry Austin (RET) recently retired after more than 30 years in the U.S. Army. He is currently chaplain support officer for North American Ministries.