Trusting God Through Life's Transitions and Changes

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God in Uncertain Times

In the midst of life's transitions, uncertainty can often feel overwhelming. The Best family, with their children entering college and facing professional changes, exemplifies the challenge of navigating these uncertain waters. Yet, they remind us that trusting in God's plan provides a path forward, even when the way seems unclear. Trusting God requires faith and belief in His guidance, knowing that He is with us in every season. As we face our own uncertainties, we are encouraged to lean into His presence and trust that He is working all things for our good. [07:49]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where uncertainty is causing you anxiety? How can you actively choose to trust God with this uncertainty today?

Day 2: Embracing Change with Faith

Change is an inevitable part of life, whether it be in our personal or professional spheres. The Best family shares their experiences of embracing change with faith, learning valuable lessons along the way. Chris, in particular, highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy life rhythm amidst professional transitions. Embracing change with faith allows us to grow and adapt, trusting that God is leading us through each season. As we encounter changes in our own lives, we are invited to see them as opportunities for growth and to seek God's presence in every moment. [13:03]

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent change in your life. How can you embrace this change with faith and see it as an opportunity for growth?

Day 3: Living Open-Handedly

The Rosales family shares the importance of living open-handedly, recognizing the transient nature of material possessions. Ann encourages us to focus on what truly matters—relationships and spiritual growth. By living open-handedly, we are reminded to invest in what is eternal and to hold loosely to the things of this world. This mindset allows us to prioritize relationships and spiritual growth, finding fulfillment in what truly lasts. As we reflect on our own lives, we are challenged to consider how we can live more open-handedly and invest in what is eternal. [20:32]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one material possession or pursuit that you are holding onto too tightly? How can you begin to live more open-handedly in this area?

Day 4: Being Present in Every Season

Rico Rosales speaks to the importance of being present in every season of life, whether in mid-career or retirement. He encourages us to invest in relationships and to find fulfillment in the present moment, rather than waiting for a future season. God places us in specific seasons for a reason, and His presence is enough to fulfill us. As we navigate our own seasons, we are reminded to be present and to invest in the relationships and opportunities that God has placed before us. [25:33]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you be more present in your current season of life? How can you invest in the relationships and opportunities around you today?

Day 5: Committing to New Rhythms

As we enter a new year, we are invited to commit to new rhythms that align with our spiritual goals. Rather than making fleeting resolutions, we are encouraged to focus on lasting commitments that foster hope and growth. The stories of the Best and Rosales families remind us of the importance of aligning our lives with God's purposes and seeking His guidance in every season. As we reflect on the year ahead, we are challenged to consider what new rhythms we can establish that will draw us closer to God and help us grow in our faith. [29:09]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one new rhythm or habit you can commit to this year that will help you grow spiritually? How can you ensure that this commitment is lasting and meaningful?

Sermon Summary

In this unique year-end online service, we have the privilege of hearing from two families within our Menlo Church community, the Bests and the Rosales. Their stories are a testament to the faithfulness of God through life's transitions and challenges. As we navigate the complexities of life, their experiences offer us valuable insights into trusting God amidst uncertainty and change.

The Best family, with four children, three of whom are in college, have faced significant transitions over the past year. Yvonne shares her journey through the season of parenting and the challenges that come with it. She encourages those in similar situations to keep trusting and believing in a path forward, even when the way seems unclear. Chris, having undergone professional changes, reflects on the lessons learned and the importance of maintaining a healthy life rhythm. He emphasizes the need to trust God with future hopes and dreams, seeking His presence in every season.

Similarly, the Rosales family shares their experiences of God's surprising blessings over the past year. Ann reflects on the importance of living open-handedly, offering advice to younger generations about the value of relationships and the transient nature of material possessions. Rico speaks to the mid-career professionals, encouraging them to invest in relationships and be present in their current season, rather than waiting for retirement to find fulfillment.

Both families remind us that God is with us in every season, and His presence is enough. As we enter a new year, let us commit to new rhythms that align with the hope and commitments discussed today. May we find encouragement in these stories and trust God to guide us through the transitions and challenges we face.

Key Takeaways

1. Handedly:** Material possessions are transient, and living open-handedly allows us to focus on what truly matters—relationships and spiritual growth. This mindset encourages us to invest in what is eternal. [20:32]
4. Being Present in Every Season: Whether in mid-career or retirement, being present and investing in relationships is vital. God places us in specific seasons for a reason, and His presence is enough to fulfill us.

5. Committing to New Rhythms: As we enter a new year, let us commit to rhythms that align with our spiritual goals. Rather than fleeting resolutions, focus on lasting commitments that foster hope and growth.

** [20:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:49] - The Best Family's Journey
[13:03] - Professional Changes and Lessons
[17:33] - Encouragement for Younger Generations
[20:32] - The Rosales Family's Story
[25:33] - Advice for Mid-Career Professionals
[29:09] - New Year Rhythms and Commitments

Sermon Clips

"Wow. Wow. So... So even if that's you right now and you're like, I'm not sure, keep trusting, keep believing there is a path forward. And, you know, I think we get fixated on what that has to be, right? But to hear that story is hopefully encouraging." [00:09:10] (17 seconds)

"If you were to talk to somebody that maybe is going through a really difficult time or a really discouraging time you know maybe you roll back a few years and you think about facing some of that uncertainty yourself and you're going well i hope somebody texts me or i hope i find the right book or i hope my son or daughter figures this out uh and they're in the midst of maybe even it's career oriented they just don't know how they're gonna get through what they're going through uh in a lot of ways you all are on the other side of a bunch of that." [00:11:09] (34 seconds)

"What you're describing, we can all feel. And even if you're not, like if for you, you go, I'm decades away from retirement. I think the rhythm of a Wednesday for you all or rhythm of however people create it is so important to just remind our soul that like that pace is not the pace we're always designed to run at." [00:15:16] (18 seconds)

"I wonder for you as a person and for your family, how has kind of that transition from a career in law enforcement to like work from home consult, like how has this change been felt?" [00:14:16] (13 seconds)

"Well, if we were to sort of narrow the focus to the last year, what are some surprises in the season that you're in where you'd say, man, God has really shown up in a unique way in our relationship or in our life circumstances, or even sort of this renewal or understanding of your purpose outside of work? Or outside of maybe the season that you were in of full -time caretaker?" [00:20:32] (28 seconds)

"And they're wondering, do I have to wait till I retire to invest in those relationships, to know people, to have the discoveries that you're having right now? What advice might you give to that mid -career person asking that kind of question?" [00:25:57] (14 seconds)

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