Trusting God in Life’s Transitions (FrontLine)

FRONTLINE Volume 32 • Number 1

This edition of FrontLine magazine engages the theme of “Trusting God in Life’s Transitions.” Our dedicated team of writers overviews various phases of life in which we need to trust God, underscoring the need to “trust in him at all times” (Ps. 62:8). Ben Hicks sets forth a straightforward challenge to young adults to quickly and effectively transition to adulthood. Kristopher and Elise Schaal share their personal and heartfelt insights about how unanticipated changes come with a new marriage, children, sickness, and relocations. Kevin Schaal gives practical advice to parents whose grown children need a different approach to their loving care. Tim Waycaster honors his late father by telling the story of his dad’s transition to full-time ministry followed by his unexpected transition to heaven. Claudia Barba cleverly and candidly describes her response to constantly changing ministry settings through a look at Priscilla’s experiences in Scripture. And Roger Duvall shares a sobering story of meeting his father’s late-life needs, a reminder for us all to prepare well for both our parents and our children.

The Psalms frequently remind us to trust God.

“Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust” (40:4).

We trust Him because He has not forsaken us (9:10).

We trust in Him even when our hearts would be afraid or fearful.

“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord” (112:7).

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me” (56:3–4).

“But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God, my times are in thy hand” (31:13–14a).

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (37:3–4).

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee” (84:11–12).

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” (118:9).

“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I life up my soul unto thee” (143:8).

And Proverbs 3:5–6 is a well-proven anchor for us all: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

We can trust God because He is entirely trustworthy!

I treasure a large-print Bible on my GFA office shelf. It was once owned by our family’s pastor, who led me to Christ over sixty years ago in the front seat of his 1957 Studebaker. Dr. Jack Spratt’s convicting gospel preaching and personal care for my soul meant so much. He pointed me to a trustworthy Savior who has never once failed me. I used Dr. Spratt’s Bible to prepare this introduction. What a tangible reminder of God’s unfailing, never-ending love and trustworthy character that will see us through all of life’s transitions!

Bruce McAllister

Features:

FULFILLING GOD’S PURPOSE: TRANSITIONS IN THE TWENTIES
Ben Hicks

A biblical understanding of purpose and responsibility will equip young adults to confidently step into a challenging world to live for God’s glory.

NAVIGATING THE CHANGES OF EARLY ADULTHOOD
Kristopher and Elise Schaal

Each step on the stereotypical path to adulthood is accompanied by a major transition.

THE MOST DIFFICULT TRANSITION IN PARENTING
Kevin Schaal

We live in a Peter Pan culture where very few people really want to grow up.

MIDLIFE TRANSITION TO VOCATIONAL MINISTRY
Tim Waycaster

My father’s testimony is a story of the transitions in his life and how God dramatically changed his life trajectory.

TRAVELING THROUGH TRANSITIONS
Claudia Barba

God has gradually taught me to not only accept changes, but to welcome them as valuable transitions.

PEACE IN END-OFLIFE PREPARATIONS
Roger Duvall

End-of-life decisions and experiences can be some of the most challenging times that we will face.

REFLECTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS ON FINISHING WELL
Bruce McAllister

Time is short and we must finish well, by God’s grace, and for God’s glory.

Departments

MAILBAG

HEART TO HEART: More Value than Many . . . Angels?
Karen Rowe Jones

AT A GLANCE: Prayer Predicaments: Is Imprecatory Prayer Appropriate?
Layton Talbert

WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Disconnect . . . Change . . . Reconnect
Jim Tillotson

ON THE HOME FRONT

NEWS FROM ALL OVER

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: Subjective Relativism and Religious Accommodation
Tavis Long

EVANGELIST’S PERSPECTIVE: Isolation and Indifference in the Local Church
Jerry Sivnksty

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