Seasons of Change

I can still remember the first serious goal-setting session Jim and I had. It took us an entire Sunday afternoon to create 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and lifetime goals. As I was writing my ten-year goals, I let out a huge “Eek!” that made Jim almost fall out of his chair. I’d come to the realization that in the next ten years I could expect certain natural and normal things to happen. 

Seasons of Change

During those ten years both of my daughters could get married. That would mean Jim and I would be “empty nesters” and maybe even grandparents! My parents, who were then in their eighties, could die. My thoughts went through several other possible scenarios related to life, marriage, health, and ministry.

As I was writing goals and thinking about them in terms of time, it hit me hard just how many life-altering events could happen in a person’s near and distant future. I was a little shaken...until I remembered Psalm 84:11 and what we’ve been talking about in this section of the book:

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord will give grace and glory.

My heart settled down as I acknowledged once again that God would be a sun and a shield for me. His grace would prepare me and accompany me through whatever was to come. Once I calmed down, I regained that quiet assurance and contentment that comes from believing and trusting in the promises of God. God is in control—everything will be all right. What a blessing the promises of this verse are!

Seasons of Grace

Well, sure enough, in the next 10 years my parents both died...and God’s grace was there. And sure enough, both of my daughters were married (one year to the day apart—another “Eek!”)...and God’s grace was there. And sure enough, a multitude of other challenges came along, such as major surgeries, cancer scares, and a grandchild with a physical problem—things I didn’t dream of at the time but that turned my life in new and dramatic and sometimes difficult directions...and God’s grace was there. His grace is there for you too.

These are some fantastic reasons why you can trust God and be content, aren’t they?

RESPOND

Dear Lord, thank You for Your comfort and care as I navigate changing seasons of life. I need Your grace for each day. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

Following God With All Your Heart—Learn how God will direct you and provide what you need to do His will as you turn to Him and trust Him. Find your book and study guide today!

REFLECT

Create 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and lifetime goals. As you meet these goals, make of note of where you see God’s grace in these seasons. 

REMEMBER

God is in control—everything will be all right.