“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10b (ESV)

Sometimes on the road of life, we come across an unexpected bump that derails our plans, or as is supposed to happen, life simply changes. Yet any type of change can be unsettling.

I have found myself staring at a new season of life more than once, filled with anxiety about all the unknowns ahead of me in uncharted territory.

Watching children grow up. Navigating a divorce. Facing financial status changes. Starting a new job. Settling into an empty nest. Learning to live alone. Celebrating a milestone birthday. Selling a beloved home. Getting older. Starting over. Beginning again … and again. All of these shifts can wreak havoc on our emotions.

Maybe you can relate. You’re tired of transitions and would rather things stay the way they are. But sometimes we have no control over change, and we certainly can’t keep time from marching forward.

We find ourselves thinking, Where am I supposed to go from here? How do I embrace this phase of life and move forward? How can I face a season of unknowns courageously without letting fear or sadness cripple me?

It’s when we have these thoughts that we need to cling to Jesus' words in today’s key Bible verse: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b).

In the first part of this verse, Jesus explains there is a thief who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10a, ESV). Not just physically but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually, Satan wants to rob us.

Yet in the second part of John 10:10, Jesus declares exactly the opposite to be true of Himself. He came so we could have life, and He empowers us to choose to live abundantly despite the thief’s intentions. One Bible translation says, “I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness” (John 10:10b, GNT). Here we see the stark contrast between the destroyer of peace and the Giver of joy.

Life will always change, but God’s promise of abundant life never will.

What does that really mean? How do we have abundant life in the midst of turmoil and change?

A life full of peace, fulfillment, patience, kindness, compassion and confidence is possible through a relationship with Jesus. He offers eternal life in heaven and abundant spiritual blessings on earth, despite our circumstances.

Perhaps you’ve lost hope that enjoying your new season of life is possible. If so, today is a great day to choose to start living abundantly. No matter what the future holds, God’s desire is for us to embrace each new beginning He puts in front of us.

Life changes; God stays the same. It’s up to us to trust Him and step into what’s new, fully believing the best is yet to come.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Are you facing a new season of life? A transition period that has left you feeling unclear about what your next steps should be? Wondering if God can really help you embrace a new beginning? Tracie Miles’ brand-new book, God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence (releasing July 2, 2024), could be the exact resource you need to move forward. Preorder your copy today by clicking here!

With every preorder of God’s Got You this May, you’ll receive three great freebies: a digital Step Into Your New Beginnings workbook, downloadable prayer cards to encourage you on those days when you’re feeling frustrated, and beautifully designed screen savers with motivational quotes to help keep you inspired.

ENGAGE

Subscribe to Tracie’s blog to receive her encouraging, free resource “10 Tips for Handling Change Well in Your New Season.” You can also connect with Tracie on Facebook and Instagram.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (NIV).

Malachi 3:6a, “I the LORD do not change” (NIV).

What changes in life are you facing today that make you feel uneasy or insecure? How could shifting your mindset about new beginnings impact your daily thoughts and actions?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Tracie Miles. All rights reserved.