I am in transition: certainly not for the first time in my life, and most definitely not for the last. Over the past 16 months I have been working full time as an Optometric technician (fancy, I know), but in less than two months time I will be starting medical school. Typically for me change consist of two things: fear and expectations. My mind constantly travels to all of the hidden corners, cracks in the road, and faulty steps, which may lie ahead. I will be transitioning from making money to being in debt, from being surrounded by my best friends to an atmosphere where I hardly know anyone, from having a ton of free time to, well, not so much. I worry about every "what if" scenario possible. 

Yet coincidently, I so often yearn for change in order to be happier or more content. I hope a change like a new fleeting interest, success in school, or novel surroundings will satisfy me. When it comes to starting school I look forward to how happy my future career will make me, how great it will be to use medicine to serve, or how it will set me on a good track. I forget my joy does not reside in a career. Thank the Lord for the conviction and guidance I have found in His word, the church, and Christ-like friends.

I have been blessed in how God has been using this transitional phase of my life to provide me with more of an understanding on how to live as I was created to live--for HIS glory. Isaiah 43:7 says, "Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him." While my life is changing, God's word does not nor does the mission He has laid upon all of creation, to glorify Him. John Piper in Don't Waste Your Life writes, "The wasted life is the life without a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples." Our joy comes from recognizing God's preeminence and displaying this recognition for others to see. So not only do I not need to fear change because God has an unchanging purpose for my life, but I know my joy is not found in anything other than Christ.

So this left me with the question, how do I truly bring God glory? Scripture brought me back to the Great Commission, which calls us to go and make disciples of all nations. Until Christ returns, this is my mission. So where is the relation? It lies within the fact that when more people know Christ, more glory will be given to God! After all God's purpose is to make Himself known. He doesn't need me to do this, yet he wants to use me not only now but throughout my life. Despite the changes, bumps in the road, excitement, and fearfulness I am sure to encounter during this transitional period, Jesus Christ and him crucified should always remain as my focus. Knowing this, how could I not want every moment of my life and my neighbors' lives to be used in order to bring glory to God?

City Church has most definitely modeled this attitude as we transition to the mall by emphasizing the importance of perspective. For example, by moving to the mall we have more room, which means more people can hear the gospel! How awesome is that? I am excited for the next phase of my life and I am thankful God has been using this period to redirect my mindset.