I am one of those who does not like the idea of change or ambiguity. I prefer a laid out plan for the future and specifics of how that future will look like. It has a lot to do with my temperament. In fact, last year during a mission, I wrote down a life plan that spans close to 30 years.

Of course life is full of uncertainty, and I cannot rely solely on a 30 year plan if I am in relationship with God {Proverbs 19:21}, and while many scriptures talk about the prudence in planning and preparation {Proverbs 6:6-8, Genesis 41:26-41, Proverbs 27:23-27, 28:19-20…}, I tend to believe that God invites us to embrace an interrupted life. This kind of life is not for the faint of heart for it comes with huge asks.

For some, it could mean housing homeless people like a friend’s mother did. She took in two young men into her home, housing them for three months. These boys were rough around the edges, having lived on the streets all their lives. For others, it could be simpler- cook for the gateman at your residence. Whatever the situation, this kind of life may be inconveniencing at best, perilous at worst, but God still asks.

Hebrews 11:8-10 commends Abraham for leaving a familiar place and people, and pitching his tents in a foreign land. The word “tents” may imply transience. Maybe like Abraham you find yourself in-between places- a career change, a promotion, a geographical relocation or the birth of a new child. Whatever it is, this statement attributed to Mark Twain may ring true for you: The only person who likes change is a wet baby. Nevertheless, change must come and change even when good, may be daunting for some. So how should one navigate through the endless seasons of change and embrace the interrupted life? Here are a few thoughts.

1. Look up

Moses is handing over the mantle of leadership to his protégé Joshua. Although Joshua has seen it coming, the trepidation of taking up a new role and probably having his leadership scrutinized by his followers seems to overwhelm him. Moses affirms and reassures Joshua many times- “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” {Deuteronomy 31:8}.

As we look at the life of Joshua we already know how the story ends because we have the advantage of seeing history unfold. The unfortunate position that Joshua found himself in was one of not knowing how the story would turn out. All he could do was to trust and obey. And God did come through.

In seasons of ambiguity, you can trust that the One who has the big picture will safely lead you into the land that He has set aside for you.

2. Say yes  

Charles Muli was a self-made millionaire when he felt convicted to take care of street children. Having been a street boy himself at the age of six, and thereafter relocating to Nairobi at sixteen to look for a livelihood, Muli rose to his success. However, an incident with a street boy left an unsettling feeling in his heart that he could not shake off. He knew that he had to do something about the worrying numbers of street families. He left his multi-million business to pursue a call from God, one that did not seem glamourous according to earthly standards.

A close friend of mine who was waiting on God for a husband bought a beautiful cathedral veil in anticipation of her wedding. Little did she know that God had other plans for that veil. One day, God instructed her to give her cherished veil to another friend who was newly engaged. To my friend the veil symbolized the hope of finding a mate and finally settling down. With a faint yes, she gave it away, believing that God would not only provide another veil but a husband as well.

God may have instructed you to do something that may seem like a demotion or even a rip off. It may not be as dramatic as Muli’s story or the various examples in this blog. The interruption may be God asking you to visit a widow or sit with a friend through a hard time. How may God be interrupting your life right now? No matter what the ask, would you recognize the One who has called you, say yes, and then with a big bold step, enter into the interrupted life?