Nothing Feels the Same
- Jun 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 8
In the past two years, my life has changed in ways I couldn’t imagine. I sensed a transition was getting ready to happen but nothing could have prepared me for what was to come. I'm no stranger to transitions. In fact, I've had at least two major ones every year for over the past decade. As I've matured, I've learned how to navigate them with more ease and less frustration. Every adjustment has taught me how to pivot while trusting the unknowns of my future in God. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Change can be daunting and challenge our sense of normalcy. In this blog post, I share my perspective on what it means to surrender, transitioning gracefully, and my journey of embracing new beginnings when nothing feels the same.
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of surrender is the action of yielding one's person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another. As we grow in God, there are some things that must be given up in order to allow Him to lead. This could include long-standing habits, a toxic mindset, a job, poor eating choices, music, the desire to always be in control, timelines, or an unhealthy relationship/situationship. These are hindrances to progress that can be made and blessings that are yet to be received. Hebrews 12:1 instructs, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Anything that doesn't align with that MUST GO.
God can't do a new thing until you surrender the old.
A lack of submission can have you in places where you have outgrown the season or never belonged at all. After being in the same spot or doing the same things for a long time, it's easy to get comfortable. Familiarity is so powerful that it can keep you complacent. Discernment is required to recognize when the assignment is over or something is not a good fit. Examine your lifestyle and evaluate if you're doing what you want or what God ordained.
Signs that you have not surrendered:
questioning more than trusting God especially after praying
negativity is overtaking you
doing things your way rather than God's
The sixteenth chapter of Genesis shares the saga of Abram, Sarai, and Hagar. Sarai felt dejected because she hadn't borne any children for Abram. Subsequently, Sarai took matters into her hands and gave Abram permission to have relations with Hagar in which she conceived. When she discovered she was pregnant, she began to despise Sarai. Sarai expressed her disdain and retaliated by mistreating Hagar. Tempers flared then Hagar ultimately fled.
The Lord appeared before Abram in Genesis 17 where He set forth the conditions of what was going to happen if Abram walked before Him blamelessly. Abram agreed then a covenant was established. Therefore, Abram’s name was changed to Abraham and he was made the father of many nations. This everlasting covenant also included a blessing that extended to his descendants. Then God changed Abraham’s wife's name from Sarai to Sarah and said she would give birth to his son. When Sarah heard this news, she laughed because she believed she had passed the childbearing age. Her response insulted the Lord's capabilities. The Lord rebutted in Genesis 18:14 by saying, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” and informed that He would return and Sarah would have a son. In Genesis 21, the Lord visited Sarah as He previously said and she gave birth to a son who was named Isaac. Despite her unbelief and attempting to create a family on her terms, the Lord still kept His word! May this be a reminder to be patient and not take matters into your own hands. The manifestation of God's promises is always worth the wait. Trust in His timing.
Surrendering your ways and desires doesn't mean the journey will be smooth. Sometimes you have to contend for what you're believing for. These are the moments where the enemy will use various tactics to diminish your faith and tempt you to question the Lord's integrity. In October 2024, the Lord gave me a word about my next man without a single prospect in sight. A month later I began my relationship series where I shared my two-year process of how I’ve navigated the complexities of singleness as God prepared my heart to date again. Since then, a plethora of tactics have been deployed to deter my faith in what the Lord said.
guys doing stuff for my attention despite me not showing any interest
been sexualized
got hit on by guys who aren't my type
had a social media altercation because of someone I was previously involved with
old guys randomly trying to reconnect
peer pressure to date casually
some deleted pics were unknowingly restored back to my phone’s gallery (and I had to delete them AGAIN)
Although I haven't been romantically involved with anyone in quite some time, the warfare doesn't negate what was spoken to me. My faith hasn't wavered whatsoever. I still believe it will come to pass. It's just a matter of timing. Until then, I'm going to continue to work, operate in my purposes, and enjoy recreational activities.
Sidenote: I don't know who this mystery man is, but he must be AMAZING considering everything I've been going through lol!
When transitioning to another place, a definitive decision must be made to cut ties with your old life. The angels urged Lot to take his wife and daughters out of Sodom or they would be consumed in the punishment of the city. Lot obeyed and escaped with his family just before it was overthrown. In the midst of running for their lives, Lot’s wife lost hers by turning into a pillar of salt after looking behind. Her rebellion caused her to miss out on the promise God had for her. Let this be a lesson to FULLY obey God's instructions and not disregard the consequences. It can be difficult to accept and let go but necessary for growth. Ecclesiastes 3:6 says, “A time to gain, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away;” Transitions are rarely easy, but they open new doors for something greater. Where you belong will consist of a peaceful environment that yields fruitfulness.
Some decisions may break your heart but save your life.
Steps for navigating transitions:
Don't make major decisions based on emotions. Ask the Lord to order your steps. (Proverbs 14:29 and Ephesians 5:15-17)
Make a plan. (Psalm 20:4)
Don't slander anyone. (Proverbs 4:24)
Pivot gracefully. (Psalms 37:23-24)
Don't look back. (Proverbs 4:25)
Close the chapter and move on.
On my 29th birthday, I gave God a “yes”. This was a symbolic gesture to demonstrate that I'm ready and committed to following God's leading wholeheartedly. Taking this action was easy to do since my heart was already postured. In a previous post, “Repentance Saved Me”, I shared an encounter I experienced that drew me closer to God during the pandemic. Life changed drastically due to the restrictions set forth by the government. Like many, I was unsure of what to do. Psalm 37:23 provided guidance on how God orchestrates through moments of transitions. The boundless time I had reduced the busyness and gave me the capacity to receive revelation and strengthen my relationship with God. My perspective changed, schedule lightened, and I started to get back myself after losing some things. Sometimes the pruning may feel harsh, but the process isn't to harm you. Its purpose is to develop your character to become more Christlike, remove whatever is in the way of God's plans, and redirect you. When God removes things or people, it isn't punishment. It's protection from what you don't need. This is a form of mercy.
Opposition does one of two things: sidetrack or divert. Whenever I face an insurmountable amount of opposition where nothing seems to work, I take it as a sign to reevaluate and pivot. One thing I’ll never allow is to let something stop me. I just keep moving. If you’re unsure about how to pivot, go back and review previously written goals and desires. They can still be achieved. Don't let them die in your notes.
Whether your transition is provoked by a heart-wrenching situation or the Lord is simply elevating you to another level, know that He is with you and will never leave nor forsake you even if others do. Be willing to surrender when compelled and embrace each shift in your path which paves the way for new opportunities filled with peace and abundance.
Written with grace,
Kiala
Life updates:
I’ve been delivered from superhero syndrome.
I no longer work for free.
My business’s services and clientele have evolved.
I resigned from serving in ministry.
My capacity has increased, allowing me to actually do things I want.
I’ve been going out more.
I’ve connected with new people.
My career is advancing and filled with new opportunities.
Scripture references:
“A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way?” -Proverbs 20:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life f will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” -Matthew 16:24-25
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” -Isaiah 55:11
“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.” -Isaiah 43:19
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” -Proverbs 3:5-6
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.” -Psalm 119:71
Worship playlist:
Kelontae Gavin- Never Be the Same
Jason Nelson- Otherside
Tasha Cobbs Leonard- I've Been Waiting
Todd Dulaney- We Surrender It All
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!