“The Third Space: How Jesus Used Transitions to Live on Mission... and How You Can Too”

Stop between spaces.... how does God want me to show up to the next space?

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”— Mark 1:35 (NIV)

A Biblical Story: Jesus and the Third Space

Picture this moment: Jesus has just spent an exhausting day healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching crowds of people. The demands on Him were relentless. But before stepping into the next day’s pressures and responsibilities, He withdraws in the early hours of the morning to a quiet place. Why? To pray. To reset. To align His heart with the Father’s will. This moment of solitude—between yesterday’s demands and today’s mission—is what author Dr. Adam Fraser would call “The Third Space.”

What Is the Third Space?

Dr. Adam Fraser, in his book The Third Space, describes three essential zones in our daily living:

• First Space – Where you are now (e.g., work, a meeting, a difficult conversation)

• Second Space – Where you’re about to go (e.g., home, ministry, family dinner)

• Third Space – The gap between the two—a brief, intentional transition moment where you choose your mindset, emotions, and behaviours before stepping into the next environment.

This micro-transition is where transformation happens. It’s the pause where we reflect, reset, and prepare to “show up” well, so we don’t carry stress, frustration, or distraction into our next task or relationship.

Why the Third Space Matters for Christians

Jesus modelled the power of the Third Space. In fact, His ministry success wasn’t just about what He did but about how He transitioned. Whether withdrawing to pray, retreating before major decisions, or pausing before teaching large crowds, He regularly stepped into the Third Space—aligning with the Father before acting in the world.

Consider another example: the apostle Paul. Between being struck blind on the road to Damascus and beginning his ministry, Paul entered a Third Space season—three days of blindness and prayer, followed by years of preparation before he began his missionary work (Galatians 1:17-18). This space allowed him to leave behind his identity as a persecutor and embrace his new calling as an apostle.

For Christians today, the Third Space offers three life-changing opportunities:

1. Spiritual Re-alignment: Time with God allows us to reset our thoughts and emotions with Kingdom truth.

2. Intentional Presence: It enables us to arrive in the next moment ready, not reactive, bitter, or distracted.

3. Fruitful Living: The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 - 23) is more likely to grow when we pause to reset, rather than rush.

   
   

How Christians Can Use the Third Space Daily

• Morning devotionals – Like Jesus, start your day in prayer, preparing emotionally and spiritually for the people and tasks ahead.

• Micro-moments – Pause in your car before walking into the house. Breathe, pray, and release the workday.

• Conflict transitions – After a tough conversation, stop and reflect: How do I want to show up next?

• Parenting with grace – Before correcting a child, take a moment to pray, consider your tone, and choose compassion over reaction.

• Sunday to Monday transitions – What would happen if we didn’t just listen to a sermon but used the third space to act on it with intention as we re-enter our week?

  
  

Summary

The Third Space is not just a psychological tool—it’s a deeply spiritual practice. Jesus used it. Paul embraced it. And we can live it.

If we want to love well, serve effectively, and walk in step with the Spirit, we must learn how to transition. Not just from place to place, but from self to Spirit in every space.

🙏 6 Key Reflection Questions

1. How well do I currently transition between roles or environments during the day?

2. When was the last time I paused to reflect before walking into a new situation?

3. How might God be inviting me to use my transitions more intentionally?

4. In what areas am I carrying baggage from one space into another?

5. How can I model the Third Space for my children, coworkers, or spouse?

6. What simple habits can I build to create space for God between life’s demands?

   
   

🌱 Practical Application

Try this today: Choose one moment to intentionally use the Third Space. Maybe it’s before you walk into your home after work. Sit in the car. Take 60 seconds. Breathe deeply. Ask God:

“How do You want me to show up in this next space?”

Release what came before. Invite the Holy Spirit in. Then step into your next moment—present, peaceful, and aligned with God’s purpose.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”— Colossians 3:23

Let’s learn to show up well—not just to life, but to God’s call in every space.