There are lots of different types of transitions in life, but I see two main types of transitions in the Bible. You have probably seen both in your own life as well.
One is what I'm calling a "sharp turn." One of my friends calls this a "suddenly" moment. This is the kind of transition that happens fast. In a swift motion, it seems like you're heading one way and suddenly you aren't. Your change of direction happens like taking a sharp, sometimes unexpected turn.
The other happens gradually, with small steps. This is a transition that requires patience, steadfastness, and happens slowly.
Instead of a rapid moment of change, it's a slow gradual change as if it's happening step by step.
A Sharp Turn Transition:
One example of a sharp turn transition happened to Paul. His story is memorable because the transition he experienced was incredibly profound. One moment, he is hunting God's people, and the next he is called by God to be a steward of God's message and a missionary to the world.
Saul's sharp turn came through an interruption while he was doing what he felt he should be doing. God interrupted that reality and changed his identity forever.
"But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit and led by Him." Acts 13:9 AMP
His sharp turn changed his direction completely. God brought him into the purpose for his life through an interruption. Some transitions will feel like this. We are on our way, doing what we think we should be doing, and God interrupts us.
If you're in a season of transition, be willing to be interrupted. If God interrupts what you're doing, respond with quick obedience.
Small Steps Transitions:
Other transitions take many, many small steps of obedience. No one understands these transitions more than the Israelites:
"So it was continuously; the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent (tabernacle), afterward the Israelites would set out; and in the place where the cloud stopped, there the Israelites would camp. At the Lord’s command the Israelites would journey on, and at His command they would camp. As long as the cloud remained over the tabernacle they remained camped. Even when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the Israelites would keep their obligation to the Lord and not set out" (Numbers 9:16-19 AMP).
In these transitions, our responsibly is an increased sensitivity to the way God is asking us to go each day. The example of the cloud guiding them is the perfect example for us today. A daily dependence on hearing from God each day is needed.
Sometimes, He will invite you to take another step in your transition. Other times He will ask you to set up camp and wait.
Either way, your responsibility is the same as it is with sharp turn transitions; quick obedience.
If your transition is quick, be attentive to the interruption and follow God in the new direction.
If your transition is slow, be patient and continuously seeking the Lord, taking a step when He guides you to.
In any transition, invite the Holy Spirit to show you the way and respond in obedience when you sense His prompting.