Episode 24: Recognizing When It's Time to Move On
Welcome to Going in Grace, a podcast where we go beyond simply understanding God's word. We explore how to live it out daily, making a meaningful impact in our lives and the lives of those around us. Let's tune in to this week's episode.
If you've ever struggled with knowing whether to stay in a situation or move on, welcome to the club. As Christians, we desire to follow God's will, but sometimes we wrestle with guilt, doubt or fear when considering leaving a person, place or season behind. Today, we'll explore biblical wisdom on recognizing when it is time to move on, the difference between quitting and stepping into a new chapter and how we can trust God's timing without stressing ourselves or forcing doors to open.
I would like to provide a disclaimer. During today's discussion, I am not referring to the marriage relationship. Marriage is a covenant and it's unto death. I recommend speaking with your pastor and trusted counselor for guidance specific to your situation for a marriage relationship. For the purposes of our discussion today, we are discussing the realm outside of the marriage covenant, such as when you feel the Lord prompting you to change assignments or environments.
How do we know when it is time to move on? God often signals that it's time for change through circumstances, convictions, and His word. Here are three key indicators. When the assignment is complete. Just as Jesus finished His mission on earth, there are times when our role in a situation comes to a clean and clear close. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. When all indicators show you that there is a natural end or close at hand, accept this and trust God to lead you through it.
When growth becomes impossible, God desires us to thrive, not remain stagnant. If an environment is stifling your growth spiritually, emotionally, or physically, He may be calling you to leave. Isaiah 43:19 says, Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth. Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. When God is nudging you forward, if you feel a strong conviction to transition, it could be God leading you.
Genesis 12:1 tells how God called Abraham saying, out of your country to a land that I will show you. Obedience sometimes requires stepping into the unknown. Many fear that leaving means giving up, but quitting and moving on are not the same. Quitting is led by frustration. Moving on is led by faith. Quitting seeks to escape. Moving on seeks alignment with God's will. Quitting is based on impulse. Moving on is based on wisdom and discernment.
In Luke 9:62, Jesus says, no one having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God. This means we must be intentional, not reactive, when making decisions about change. Moving on should be a response to God's leading, not just an emotional reaction to discomfort. One of the hardest parts of change is waiting on God's timing. We often want clarity and control, but faith requires surrender. Here's how to wait without worry.
First, lean into prayer and discernment. Instead of demanding answers, ask God for peace and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Stop trying to force outcomes. When we stress and manipulate situations, we delay God's work. Psalm 37:7a encourages, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. I feel the need to repeat this. When we stress and manipulate situations, we delay God's work. Your deep desire to move on, to move forward and to do so now can be thwarted through your own efforts. Keep that in mind and rest in the Lord.
Third, recognize that delay is not denial. Just because a door hasn't opened doesn't mean that it won't. Habakkuk 2:3 assures us, for the vision is yet for an appointed time, though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come. If you've been wrestling with whether to move on, remember, God is faithful to guide you. Transition is not failure. It's often a divine setup for something greater. Instead of forcing change or staying in fear, seek God's wisdom and trust his timing. When needed, seek out Godly community. Share what's going on, only with those trusted individuals, of course, but seek guidance for in a multitude of counselors, there is safety.
Thank you for spending time with me today. If this episode has encouraged you, be sure to share it with someone who might benefit from it. Bless you and have a great rest of your week. You've been listening to Going In Grace. Be sure to visit us online at brandistover.com.
