If you’ve been working on or toward something for a long time, you can sometimes get “stuck” in wondering how much farther you have to go, if you’re already there, or if you have been going in a different direction than God wanted. 4word community member Erin Schweitzer writes openly about her recent experience of losing her job and wondering, “What now?”

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And just like, I was unemployed.

In the early hours of a Monday morning in mid-September, I typically would’ve been getting ready for work. Preparing my mind for the daily grind. Setting the bar high for unexpected curve balls. Agonizing (briefly) over not being fully present with the important people in my life. Except today that isn’t my reality. And as I diligently check the task boxes of a new morning ritual, I’m acutely aware that there is no job. I’m unemployed, or in more dignified terms, “in transition.” 

Transition //: the process or period of changing from one state to another.

Did it come as a surprise? Was it voluntary? Were the signs all there without a definitive timeline? Regardless of how we arrived, we’re here. Whether you’re in between jobs, waiting on a promotion, anticipating retirement – we have work to do! 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

James 1:2-5

Adversity has always been a part of God’s design. Why? Because the sudden shift into discomfort triggers our consciousness to search for resolution. It ignites a desire to seek the truth during periods of suffering and uncertainty. A precautionary measure to keep us from leaning on our understanding. A healthy reminder that we’re not in control. A means of strengthening our faith. There’s hope in that. Rather than resenting troubles, we can pray for wisdom. 

As the 4-month anniversary of this said transition quickly approaches, reflection is constant and gratitude overflows in abundance. And this might be the moment where your head tilts, eyes squint, and eyebrows crease inward to form that unwanted line that tells our age. Allow me to repeat it once more…gratitude overflows in abundance. Your eyes are not deceiving you. So pull up a chair at the table and let’s unpack how to thrive in a season of uncertainty. 

1. Pivot your perspective – “Consider it pure joy”

Develop a clear thought system that you trust. Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy mindset. One of the most effective methods of achieving a healthy mindset is creating a structured space for your mind to purge and reflect. Think of it as a foundational framework that provides clarity when there’s a fork in the road. We can strategically come to the Lord in prayer and ask for His blessing to move forward. It creates trust in ourselves and strengthens our relationship with God. A win-win situation! 

2. Strengthen your faith – “Let perseverance finish its work”

Give yourself grace. Transition can be difficult to navigate, but being hard on ourselves will only make it worse. List out all the wonderful qualities about yourself; your God-given strengths, talents, and skills. Keep that list handy wherever you go. When the enemy strikes with lies, recite who you are in the image of our Creator. (By the way, this list can also be a great help as you determine what you are looking for in your next role. Where can you best exercise the special combination of gifts and experiences God has uniquely blessed you with?)

3. Sharpen your mind – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God” 

Prepare your mind for the pivot. Change is lurking around every corner of our busy lives. Priming your mind with wisdom is perhaps the most crucial layer of protection. It’s preventative. A personal insurance plan. A means of staying ahead of the disruption curve. Stay curious always, regardless of the season you’re walking through. Sharpening your mind will allow for a smoother transition. More graceful, less chaotic. 

Thriving in a season of uncertainty is not an oxymoron. Rather realistic optimism. It’s achievable. It’s uncomfortable. It’s growth. It places trust in you and in Christ – knowing He will carry you through. 

Life on earth is made up of many unpredictable seasons that collectively make up one big transition to Heaven. It’s short in comparison to eternity. We have a unified purpose to grow the Kingdom. Transition is inevitable. Fixate on all things above, give your burdens over to God, and rest, knowing that He has plans to prosper you.

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”

Proverbs 19:21

Erin Schweitzer has had a successful career in business operations while supporting top executives in various roles. Her experience has paved the path to entrepreneurship. Erin is a productivity coach on a mission to empower ambitious leaders to confidently maximize their resources, clarify vision, and achieve goals with ease. She brings strategic solutions for combating growth barriers so you can win at work and succeed at life.

Erin is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others by impacting the way they view their significance in this world. She serves as a YoungLife leader mentoring young women in need of Christ. Erin is a certified Full Focus Planner coach. Erin is a 4word community member. She resides in North Texas close to her family.

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