09/01/2026
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO MOVE FORWARD?
1. When God tells you clearly - it's time to move forward.
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
Maybe it’s through a spoken word, a dream, or a vision.
When this happens, God will often confirm it through other people, a new invitation or open door. Especially when it's a significant move, there will be repeated confirmations. Often, your circumstances will confirm it as well. Something starts to change. And there usually comes a point when God releases you from the position, and you sense it in the Spirit.
2. When God allows pressure on you to leave, especially when you're reluctant to move forward.
“The Exodus.”
Relationships and systems begin to break down. Orders start to dry up. There's unusual tension, resistance, and opposition.
3. When God places a new door, opening, or unexpected opportunity in front of you.
“Behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it.” Revelation 3:8
You didn't see it coming. You might be pretty happy where you are. Your first instinct might be to turn it down or to ignore it.
But you begin to recognize that God is opening something new to you. And to step into it, you will have to leave where you currently are.
4. When you have taken the role, job, position, or organization as far as you can.
You've given it your all. It feels finished. You're not sure what else to do with it. It seems like there's nowhere to go with it.
You have plateaued, and now you're going through the motions. You're in maintenance or management mode.
Every day begins to feel a little like Groundhog Day. It’s just the same, same, same.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
5. When it becomes a harmful, dangerous, or destructive environment for you or for other people.
When the job or role is affecting your relationships, physical or mental health, it's time to consider moving forward.
6. When you're constantly asking God to open other doors or to lead you somewhere else.
Or you're constantly praying for clarity about the future in that place. Maybe you don't need clarity. Rather, you need the courage to do what you already know is right.
7. When the only reason you are there is for the money.
If you could afford to leave, you'd be gone already. That's not to say that there aren't times when we need to work simply to pay the bills. That's practical, responsible, and sensible. But to spend your entire life in a role or a job that you're only doing for money is heartbreaking and unfulfilling.
8. When you begin to face unusual challenges, or resources begin to dry up.
There used to be an abundance of orders; there was more work than you could handle; the finances were good; everything ran smoothly; the people got along.
Then, unexpectedly, things shift.
There's no obvious reason for it. It almost feels as if someone has turned off a faucet. That’s what happened to Elijah in 1 Kings 18. The brook that had sustained him dried up. It was one sign that it was time to move on.
9. When the vision or values no longer align with the organization.
Perhaps there used to be aligned, but something has changed - with you or with the organization.
You're no longer going in the same direction.
10. There are certain issues, challenges, difficulties, or tensions that aren't going away.
You've tried everything to resolve them, you've had hard conversations, and maybe you have been promised that things will change - but six months later - nothing has changed.
If you find yourself stuck in one or more of these situations, Renew Shepherding is here to help you navigate your way through. Visit our website and schedule today!
https://renews.clientsecure.me/
Or call 940-253-0999.
