Two Words for 2026: Transition and Reposition

by Nathan Shaw

God gave me two words for 2026: Transition and reposition. Transitions are inbetween periods. They are often marked by upheaval, adjustment and change. Those who like disruption come alive in transitions, but transitions are not ends, they are pathways. Transitions take nations, churches, institutions or individuals from an old normal to a new normal. Those who reposition as they journey through the transition, set themselves up to succeed in the new normal.

God sent John the Baptist to transition Israel into a new normal. His ministry was intense, powerful and brief, but it prepared the nation for Jesus. Two of John the Baptist’s disciples repositioned themselves and became disciples of Jesus (John 1:35-37). God sent Jesus to transition Israel into a new normal. His ministry was intense, powerful and brief, but a small group of disciples were repositioned and used to usher in a radical new era. 2026 will be a year of transitioning and repositioning on multiple levels.

Geopolitical Transitions

Nations have unique personalities and pathways. The pathways of nations are shaped by things like religion, geography, resource, demography and interactions with other nations. Over the last year there has been very significant shifts in the alignments of nations with other nations. Although this seems like a major transition in and of itself, the events of the last year have been setting the stage for an even greater transition. A new era is emerging. Nations that reposition will prosper. People with prophetic insight will see ultimate destinations, not just chaotic transitions. People with intercessory authority will shape the future rather than fear it. The voice of prophets and the cry of intercessors is strategically important to help align the nations with their God ordained destinies.

Body of Christ Transitions

God is watching over His Church as He equips her to be His prophetic messenger and catalyst for change in the nations. Christ’s Body is diverse and multifaceted. Likewise, the transitions happening across His Body are diverse. This calls for restraint so that we don’t judge different parts of the Body according to the things that we are experiencing. Even those that go through similar transitions can take different routes and end up in the same destination. There is a need for sensitivity to the specific movement of the Spirit in each part of Christ’s Body.

Sometimes repositioning brings dramatic changes, other times it brings slight adjustments. But slight adjustments can have big outcomes. It is important not to over reposition. Weighty clarion calls for change can lead to over responding, and over responding can undo things that God has set up. Whether change is dramatic or subtle is not so important. It is the change that is needed that is important.

Personal Transitions

Israel went through a major transition when they left Egypt and then again forty years later when they possessed the Promised Land. The generation that came out of Egypt didn’t reposition their hearts, minds and attitudes. This led to forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Joshua and Caleb were the only two from this generation that repositioned themselves. They led the next generation into the promised inheritance. Will we be like the first generation that transitioned but didn’t reposition? Or will we be like Joshua, Caleb and the second generation, who repositioned themselves and possessed the land?

The first generation won some significant battles. Under Joshua’s command they fought against the Amalekites and defeated them (Exodus 17:8-16). This should have enlarged them to fight the giants that occupied Canaan. Unfortunately the first generation said, “We don’t want to fight anymore.” In contrast Caleb said, “Let me fight not only against the Amalekites, but against the most powerful stronghold in Canaan.” Caleb took the initiative and asked if he could fight against the legendary sons of Anak, demonically empowered warlords who occupied Mount Hebron (Joshua 14:12). Mount Hebron was the biggest stronghold and Caleb was 85 years old! Age had not caused him to sit down. In fact forty years of waiting had only increased his readiness and resolve. The first generation had some victories but then sat down in the spirit. Caleb continued to enlarge despite the small-minded attitude of the first generation.

Where Are We Headed?

There are periods in human history in which everything moves faster than normal. We are in such a period. This is not a cause for fear. But it is an invitation to adventure. Spiritual battles, like natural battles, are often intense and confusing, hence the phrase, “the fog of war.” That’s why Paul told the Ephesian Christians, “having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). The courage of Joshua and Caleb changed the world of their time for generations to come. Likewise, choices made today will determine outcomes in nations, churches and families for generations to come. If you have fought some battles and had some victories, choose to stand rather than sit. The best is still yet to come.

© 2025 Nathan Shaw

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