Finding Faith and Hope in Every Season
Summary
Mother’s Day is a time of both celebration and deep emotion. While we honor the women who have shaped our lives, we also recognize the pain and longing that can accompany this day for many. God sees every heart, every hope, and every disappointment, and He is present in every season—whether it’s a time of blessing or a time of wandering in the desert. Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a season for everything, but it never promises that God’s timing will always make sense to us. Yet, we can trust that God is always on time, sovereign, and faithful, even when our plans fall apart.
My own journey through infertility and the challenges of motherhood has been marked by heartbreak, confusion, and ultimately, miracles. There were seasons when I felt utterly alone, convinced that my efforts and faithfulness should have shielded me from pain. But God met me in my brokenness, teaching me that His presence is not dependent on my circumstances. When I finally surrendered my dreams to Him, He responded in ways I could never have orchestrated myself—through unexpected miracles and through the strength to endure ongoing trials.
As our family faced the birth and health struggles of our daughter, I learned that worship is a powerful weapon in the darkest seasons. Like Job, who worshiped in the midst of unimaginable loss, I discovered that praising God in the valley prepares us to trust Him when the storms come. Worship is not just for the mountaintop moments; it is a declaration of faith when everything else is uncertain.
Persistence in prayer—continually asking, seeking, and knocking—does not guarantee that God will answer in the way we expect. But it does guarantee that we will find Him on the other side of the door, with His grace, strength, and presence. The process of seeking God in our pain deepens our dependence on Him and shapes our faith.
Finally, the faith we model in adversity leaves a legacy for generations. Whether you come from a long line of believers or you are the first in your family to trust Jesus, your steady faith can become a heritage that impacts countless lives. The invitation is open to all: surrender your burdens, trust in Jesus, and let Him carry you through every season.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Presence in Every Season
No matter how dark or confusing the season, God is always present—even when we feel alone or abandoned. His promises are not conditional on our understanding or our circumstances. Choosing to believe that God is with us, even in places we never wanted to be, is an act of faith that anchors us in His unchanging love. [20:16]
- Worship as a Weapon in the Valley
Worship is not just a response to blessing; it is a discipline that sustains us in suffering. Practicing praise on the good days prepares our hearts to worship on the hardest days, just as Job did. In worship, we declare God’s goodness over our pain and invite His power into our battles. [21:49]
- Persistent Prayer Brings Us to Jesus
Continually asking, seeking, and knocking does not guarantee the outcome we desire, but it always leads us to deeper intimacy with Christ. The true gift on the other side of the open door is not the answer to our prayers, but the presence and sufficiency of Jesus Himself. Our dependence on Him grows as we persist in prayer, even when the answers are slow or different than we hoped. [27:12]
- Surrendering Dreams Unlocks Miracles
Letting go of our tightly held plans and surrendering our deepest desires to God opens the way for Him to work in ways we could never imagine. Miracles often come when we release control and trust God with the outcome, even when the waiting is long and the journey is painful. Surrender is not a sign of defeat, but an invitation for God’s power to be made perfect in our weakness. [16:05]
- A Heritage of Faith Begins with Steadfast Trust
The faith we live out in adversity becomes a legacy for those who come after us. Whether you inherit a heritage of faith or begin one today, your steady trust in Jesus can impact generations. Modeling sincere faith in both joy and hardship is one of the greatest gifts we can give our families and our world. [29:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Honoring Mothers and Acknowledging Pain
[03:00] - Prayer and Introduction
[08:01] - The Seasons of Life and God’s Timing
[10:07] - Wrestling with Faith and Infertility
[11:54] - Facing the Impossible and Feeling Alone
[13:34] - The First Miracle: A Dream and a Positive Test
[14:34] - Thanksgiving Miracle and Desire for a Daughter
[16:05] - Praying and Surrendering for Blakely Joe
[17:39] - High-Risk Pregnancy and God’s Intervention
[20:16] - Four Truths for Dark Seasons
[21:49] - Worship as a Weapon in Hard Times
[23:05] - Believing for Miracles Through Worship
[24:01] - Testimony of Miracles and Choosing Praise
[27:12] - Persistent Prayer and Knocking on God’s Door
[29:00] - Leaving a Heritage of Faith
[30:16] - Invitation to Surrender and Trust Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “God’s Presence in Every Season”
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### Bible Reading
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
- Psalm 139:7
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?”
- Job 1:20
“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.”
- Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.”
- 2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 3:1, what does the Bible say about the different seasons of life? How does the sermon describe the reality of God’s timing? [[08:01]]
2. In Psalm 139:7, what is the psalmist saying about God’s presence? How did the speaker relate this to her own experience of feeling alone? [[20:16]]
3. What was Job’s first response after losing everything, according to Job 1:20? How did the sermon connect this to worship in hard times? [[21:49]]
4. In Matthew 7:7-8, what are the three actions Jesus tells us to take? How does the sermon explain what we actually receive when we keep knocking? [[24:01]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that God’s timing doesn’t always make sense to us, but He is always on time. Why might God allow us to go through seasons that feel confusing or painful? [[08:01]]
2. The speaker shared about worshiping God even in the valley, not just on the mountaintop. Why is worship described as a “weapon” in hard seasons? [[21:49]]
3. Persistent prayer is encouraged, but the sermon says it doesn’t guarantee the outcome we want. What does it mean to find Jesus “on the other side of the door” when we keep asking, seeking, and knocking? [[24:01]]
4. The faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother is highlighted in 2 Timothy 1:5. What does it look like to leave a “heritage of faith” for the next generation? [[29:00]]
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### Application Questions
1. The speaker shared about feeling alone and disappointed when her plans for motherhood didn’t work out. Have you ever felt like God was distant or that your faithfulness should have protected you from pain? How did you respond in that season? [[11:54]]
2. Worship was described as a discipline that sustains us in suffering. What are some practical ways you can choose to worship God when you’re in a difficult season, even if you don’t feel like it? [[21:49]]
3. The sermon talked about surrendering tightly held dreams to God. Is there a dream or plan in your life that you are struggling to let go of? What would it look like to surrender it to God this week? [[16:05]]
4. Persistent prayer was encouraged, even when answers are slow or different than we hope. Is there something you’ve been praying for a long time? How can you keep seeking God’s presence, not just His answers? [[24:01]]
5. The speaker said that modeling sincere faith in adversity leaves a legacy. Who is watching your faith right now—children, friends, family? What is one way you can model trust in Jesus for them this week? [[29:00]]
6. The sermon invited everyone to surrender their burdens and trust Jesus, whether they come from a long line of believers or are the first in their family. If you are starting a new heritage of faith, what is one step you can take to begin that legacy? [[30:16]]
7. The speaker mentioned the importance of community and not walking through pain alone. Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement or support right now? How can you reach out to them this week? [[11:54]]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for one another, especially for those who are in a hard season or struggling to surrender their dreams to God. Ask God to help each person trust His presence, worship in the valley, persist in prayer, and leave a legacy of faith.
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God’s Timing in Every Season
God’s timing often doesn’t make sense to us, especially when our plans fall apart or our dreams seem delayed, but we are reminded that He is always sovereign, always faithful, and always working to make everything beautiful in its time. Even when we struggle with questions, disappointments, or confusion, we can rest in the truth that God is never late and never forgets us. Our limited perspective may only see a moment, but God sees the whole story and lovingly orchestrates every season for our good. No matter what you are facing today, you can wake up and trust that God is good and He is right on time. [08:01]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
Reflection: Where in your life are you struggling to trust God’s timing, and how can you surrender that area to Him today, believing He is working even when you cannot see it?
Day 2: God Is With You in the Hardest Places
No matter how dark or lonely your season may feel, you are never alone—God’s presence is with you right where you are, even in the places you wish you weren’t. When you feel abandoned, overlooked, or heartbroken, remember that God’s promises are true for you: He will never leave you or forsake you. You can cling to His Word and trust that He is walking with you through every valley, offering comfort, strength, and hope. Even when your circumstances don’t change, His presence is your constant companion and your greatest assurance. [20:16]
Psalm 139:7 (ESV)
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?
Reflection: When have you felt most alone in your life, and how can you intentionally invite God’s presence into that place today?
Day 3: Worship as Your Weapon in Difficult Seasons
Worship is not just for the good days; it is your greatest weapon in the hardest seasons. When you choose to praise God in the midst of pain, disappointment, or loss, you declare your trust in His goodness and power. Like Job, who worshiped even after losing everything, you can express both your grief and your faith, blessing the Lord with a surrendered heart. Practicing worship in every season prepares you to stand strong when storms come, and it shifts your focus from your problems to the God who is bigger than them all. [21:49]
Job 1:20 (ESV)
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally worship God today, even if your circumstances are difficult or your heart feels heavy?
Day 4: Keep Knocking—Persistent Prayer Brings Us to Jesus
God invites us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking—not because He needs to be convinced, but because persistent prayer draws us closer to Him and deepens our dependence on His grace. The promise is not that every prayer will be answered exactly as we wish, but that every time we knock, we will find Jesus on the other side—His love, His provision, and His strength for one more day. Don’t give up or lose heart; keep bringing your burdens, your hopes, and your hurts to Him, knowing that He cares and He is listening. [27:12]
Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Reflection: What is one specific burden or dream you need to keep bringing to God in prayer, trusting that He will meet you with Himself?
Day 5: Leaving a Heritage of Faith
A steady, sincere faith in Jesus—lived out in the ups and downs of life—creates a legacy that impacts generations. Whether you come from a long line of believers or you are the first in your family to follow Jesus, your choice to trust Him no matter what can change the story for those who come after you. Modeling a life surrendered to Christ is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children, your family, and your community. And if you have never fully surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day to call on His name and begin a new heritage of faith. [29:00]
2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
Reflection: How are you modeling sincere faith for those around you, and what is one step you can take today to leave a legacy of trusting Jesus?
Quotes
All of my life I was used to creating a plan and working my butt off to make that plan happen. But there was absolutely no one in my life. And there was no one in my life.no hard work that was going to make my dream of becoming a mom a reality. It was going to take a miracle. [00:13:28] (17 seconds)
I know what it is like to face disappointment after disappointment after disappointment there were so many nights that i laid in bed and i wept because i felt like god was so busy worrying about everyone else's problems that he no longer had time for mine and i don't know if you know what that pain feels like but it is a very very low place to be this part of my story is hard for me to live but this is also the season of my life where i grew the most in this season i learned four specific things that truly helped me see i can wake up every single day and choose to choose to trust jesus [00:19:15] (44 seconds)
You probably don't have a blakely story maybe you don't even have an infertility story like my family does but you have a story you have something hard and difficult that you are either facing today or maybe you're going to wake up tomorrow and start a new chapter and that's when something youis going to happen where you're going to look around and think, God, how did I get here? How is this my reality right now? [00:20:01] (23 seconds)
When you are walking through a hard season, one of the very best things that you can do is worship.And as we navigated our daughter's health complications, my anthem was the song that we sang first this morning, Believe For It.They say this mountain can't be moved.They say these chains will never break, but they don't know you like we do. There is power in your name. Move the immovable, break the unbreakable. God, we believe for it from the impossible.we will see a miracle, God, we believe. [00:23:20] (33 seconds)
Worship is how you are going to rage war against the battles and the hard seasons that you have in your life. No matter what dark season that you are walking through, do not give up on Jesus.Throw your hands up and praise the Lord because sometimes you are going to be on the mountain and that is going to be so easy. You are going to be so easy. You are going to be so easy.to praise but sometimes you're going to be in the valley and you are going to have to roar so loud to convince your heart and your mind that he's got you and friend he's got you [00:25:06] (35 seconds)
Steady faith, despite our circumstances, leaves a heritage of faith.Second Timothy 1 .5 says, I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first.and your grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice, and now I am sure dwells in you.You can just feel how proud Paul is of Timothy when he writes these words, but what I think is incredibly powerful is that Paul is calling out two of likely the most important women in Timothy's life.He said, I can see so clearly a strong faith in your grandmother and a strong faith in your mother, and now I can so clearly see you living out that same strong faith. This is the best kind of legacy. [00:28:39] (50 seconds)
Modeling a life that is pursuing Jesus no matter what has generational impact.Our children are watching us.Are we modeling what it looks like to have sincere faith so that one day people will look at our grandmothers, they will look at our mothers, they will look at you, and they will look at me, and they will look at our children, and they will say, wow, that is a family who chose to trust Jesus no matter what. [00:29:40] (36 seconds)
One of the most important gifts that we can ever give is the truth of the gospel lived out in our lives.You may be sitting here, and you may be filled with so much joy and celebrating the truth truth that you have a grandmother and you have a mother like Timothy did.But in a room this size, I know there's at least one person sitting here and you're thinking, no one in my family is trying to leave a legacy of faith in Jesus. And if that's you, I want you to know that a heritage of faith has to start somewhere. And it can start with you. [00:30:16] (38 seconds)
You may be sitting here walking through the darkest season and maybe your heart is even racing really fast right now because you know that God wants you to surrender your life to him and stop trying to do everything on your own because he wants to carry your burdens for you. Jesus is calling you.And all that you have to do today is admit that you are a sinner and that you are broken and believe that what Jesus did on the cross, it counted for you and it counted for me. And then call on the name of the Lord. Romans 10, 13 says, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. And I have incredible news for you today. Everyone means you. [00:31:08] (48 seconds)
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