When You’re Entering a Season of Change - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 17
When You’re Entering a Season of Change
By Hannah Benson
Bible Reading:
“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.’ But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord’” (Jeremiah 1:4-8 ESV).
I remember when I graduated from high school.
I was homeschooled my entire life, so when it was time for me to graduate, we joined a bunch of other homeschooling families and their high school seniors so we could walk across the stage and receive our diplomas from our parents.
I don’t know how to describe that moment.
I was leaving my childhood behind. Stepping into adulthood.
And yet, on the other hand, almost nothing would change.
Instead of going to college, I would get a job.
But I still planned to live at home.
Yet I still felt this sense of apprehensive excitement.
What did the future hold?
I had so many dreams for the future. I knew God had called me to write for Him, but what would that look like? What about the passion burning within me since I was a little girl—to somehow be involved in the film industry, making movies for Jesus?
Can you relate?
Whether you’re graduating this year or simply stepping into a new season, change can be both scary and exciting.
As a new graduate, I felt in some ways like the prophet Jeremiah when God called him.
Inadequate.
I’m pretty sure I used the “I’m only a youth” line—or something similar—as I prayed in the years leading up to my high-school graduation.
We can all feel small at times.
People thought that when I graduated, I had my life figured out. Or more figured out than most.
I knew God wanted me to write books and that I wasn’t going to college—at least at that point.
While I couldn’t deny the feeling that writing books was only a portion of what God wanted me to do, I didn’t know what else He wanted me to do.
The truth is, from the time I was young, I wanted to change the world for Jesus—but I didn’t know how. I felt so small.
How could I reach the world for Jesus from home?
Over time, God showed me that I didn’t need to figure out the “how” but to surrender it to Him. More important than me knowing the “where,” “when,” “why,” and “how” of it all, God wanted my heart to be available and for me to serve Him where He had me.
I’d always sensed travel of some kind might be in my future, but working regularly from home didn’t feel like it could leave a significant impact on the world.
I didn’t figure it out overnight.
I would still say I don’t have it “all figured out.” Do we ever?
From the time I graduated until now, God has given me a fuller idea of what He wants me to pursue in this season, but it took time. And I’m sure He will continue to show me what He wants me to do. I’ve found that when we stop fighting God to hold on to a life we imagine for ourselves, God opens our hands to receive the life He has planned for us.
In case you thought Jeremiah was the only one, look at the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 (ESV): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
If God calls us to go somewhere, we go. But even if He calls us to stay, loving God, loving others, and sharing His Word starts exactly where we are.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
God doesn’t want us to be afraid. Like Jeremiah, we too are called by God. He knew us before we were formed in the womb (Ps. 139:13-16). He consecrated us and appointed us for His plan (2 Timothy 1:9, Ephesians 2:10). He has a purpose for our lives! We also may argue with God and say, “I am only [fill-in-the-blank].”
But God often doesn’t call whom the world expects (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV).
He gave Samson strength (Judges 16).
He gave Moses words (Exodus 4:10-12).
He gives us exactly what we need for the task He has placed before us.
When we say, “I am only [fill-in-the-blank],” we are looking at what’s in front of us. But we often forget that while we can’t always see the full picture, God can.
God’s “all sufficiency” (2 Corinthians 9:8) isn’t dependent on where we live, our age, or any of our circumstances. We are merely called to be obedient and allow the Lord to use us where we are.
What is the “only” you are worried about today? Give it to Jesus. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV).
Allow that to soak in.
His grace is sufficient to equip us for every good work that He has called us to.
You don’t need to have the next ten years figured out; you just need to trust that the God Who holds your future is with you in this one.
Pray with me:
Dear Lord, thank You for calling me and knowing me since before I was born. Forgive me for the times I let my "only" excuses stop me from trusting You. I trust that Your grace is sufficient for the season I am in right now. Wherever I am, help me to be obedient to Your call and trust Your timing. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
How did today’s devotional speak to you? Share your thoughts in the Crosswalk Devotional discussion.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/ZbynekPospisil
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
