The Fruitfulness of Farewell - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - August 1, 2025
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
Our bodies were made to sustain a healthy rhythm, the sort that hums to a well-oiled tune we are so unable to control, let alone consistently observe, that science calls it “involuntary.” In and out, our lungs quietly take oxygen and give carbon dioxide, nourishing plants and other life in turn. Thump, thump, thump, our hearts keep a humble beat, the sort that, when we listen to a spouse’s or a child’s, we call music. We call it peace, the sound that the precious life nuzzled against us continues.
So it only makes sense that we gravitate toward rhythms and routines in other aspects of life, mimicking our body’s daily process of sustainability. Whether we love a detailed, pretty planner or keep a religious digital calendar that pings and dings all day long, most of us prefer a predictable schedule, something that gives us a heads-up as to what’s next. This means we can, in theory, be prepared for what’s to come. We won’t be surprised. We can show up as our “best self.”
But when a season comes to an end, whether a relationship fades or a career takes a turn, what are we to do with the change, the farewell, especially if we were unprepared and our relationship with the familiar is upended?
We are to reflect on the fruitfulness of a farewell, of saying goodbye to what we've known to embrace what's to come. Just as our bodies boast in the beauty of internal rhythms and patterns, nature showcases the beauty of changing from one season to the next.
For almost four years, I have been the editor for iBelieve.com, but by the time you are reading this, I will have been unemployed, a stay-at-home mama, for roughly half a day. As a woman who struggles with pride and wants to prove her worth, it’s hard for me to step away from a career that justified all my college degrees. It’s hard for me to walk away from a paycheck that makes me feel equal to my husband in providing for our family. I want to hold onto the predictability of pride. Humility is still too new to me, far too uncomfortable.
But what joy this new season promises, as I get to dedicate more time to my two-year-old son, the little guy who carries all God’s light and hope in his big brown eyes! Truly, there is fruitfulness in seasons of farewell, expected and unexpected, if only we allow God’s goodness to lead us in and out of life’s twists and turns.
If you are in a season of change, saying farewell to all the comforts of a routine, I pray you notice the fruitfulness in the farewell. I pray that leaving what you know to embrace something new is an opportunity to keep your eyes wide open, your ears always listening, and your soul faithfully humming God’s promise that He goes before us, ensuring that our loyalty to His plan never leaves us empty but forever changed for the better.
Let’s pray:
Lord, seasons of change are tough because they are often unexpected, uncomfortable, or both. Grant us your peace and hope. Remind us of your sovereignty as we surrender our love for control to you, submitting to the beautiful new road you have called us to. May we truly believe that your goodness and mercy follows us all our days (Psalm 23). In your holy name we pray, Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/gustavofrazao
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
