Women’s Connect September Devotional
Dear sister,
May you be blessed by this wonderful devotional, written by Madelyn Timmermans. Thank you, Madelyn, for sharing this encouragement with us!
The Lord is teaching me many things in this new season. I love having structure, and when it comes to change, my instinct is to find a way around disrupting my routine. Beginning a new season of life can feel like your feet have been swept out from underneath you. In the midst of change and busyness, it can be difficult to find the time to seek God. In past years, the start of a new school year has left me feeling as though I’ve been carried away from everything I had once known. New beginnings are often scary, but why should we have fear when God has already shown His love and care for us in so many other ways? Seasons of change bring forth the opportunity to fully surrender to His sovereign authority.
Throughout the change of seasons and passing of time, I’m reminded time and time again of the Lord’s constant faithfulness. I may not see the way in which He is working at the start of something new, but when a chapter comes to a close, His presence is evident and I feel foolish for ever having doubts in the first place. Having the whole picture in sight makes it much easier to see how God answers our prayers in His own way. For example, why do we blame God for sickness when He has blessed us with health in the past? Luke 12:28-31 says, “But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” God knows our every desire and need. Know that seasons of growth take time to see that He has provided in His own way, and will continue to do so.
While making the 12 hour drive from my hometown down to Waco, TX in August, I asked the Lord to draw me near to Him in the midst of the unknowns I was going to encounter. I’ve already seen this prayer answered in many ways since the start of classes. Through strangers, roommates, professors, and family members, I’m reminded of God’s sovereignty over this season of life. It’s been a beautiful thing to see God’s presence in the lives of those around me, as well as my own. He ALWAYS shows up!!! We serve the ultimate authority of this world, and can put any fear of the unknown to rest because of His wonderful plan for us. The hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”, is a reminder of the complete assurance we have knowing that our foundation rests on Christ alone. I encourage you all to root yourselves in His firm foundation rather than the illusion of stability offered by “sinking sand”.
Photo by Madelyn Timmermans
If you’re reading this, I pray for your eyes to be opened to the gracious character of our God throughout this new season of change and growth. I pray that you take a bold step of faith by allowing God to fill every moment of your day and use you, just as you are, for His glory. I pray that whatever this new season may look like for you, it will be one of revival in your faith and realization of the hope we have in Jesus.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36.
Sunset on Lake Athens in Athens, TX