Strength for the Journey

This week has been both a challenge and a blessing — all at the same time.

I’ve been very intentional during this Lenten season about growing closer to God, and what I’m finding is that when I make space for Him, He shows up in ways I don’t expect.

Some of those ways have been incredibly humbling.

This week, I received an invitation to serve on the Equitable Compensation Commission through the United Methodist Church. That was not something I had planned or pursued — it simply came as an opportunity to serve. Around the same time, we received the news that our grandchildren can attend summer camp this year, and the cost will be completely covered. As grandparents raising grandchildren, that is not a small blessing. That is God’s provision.

And yet, in the middle of these beautiful moments, there has also been physical struggle.

The cold weather has been hard on my fibromyalgia and neuropathy. The pain has been higher than usual, and everything takes more effort. I’m still doing what needs to be done — work, school, home, church — but it hasn’t been easy. It’s one of those seasons where your spirit is willing, and your body is tired.

But even there… God is present.

This week, I completed another class toward my Social Work degree and am preparing to begin the next one. Step by step, class by class, moving forward. I’ve also applied for several scholarships to help offset the cost, and every single person I asked for a reference or referral letter responded with such kindness and enthusiasm. That alone was a blessing — to be reminded that I am not walking this journey alone.

And in the quiet moments, I’ve been immersed in my study of Romans for Lent.

That has been the deepest blessing of all.

To slow down.
To journal.
To really study God’s Word — not just read it, but sit with it.
To let it speak into my life.

Romans is reminding me that grace is not something I have to earn by pushing through pain or proving my worth through productivity. Grace is a gift. It meets me in my limitations, not just in my accomplishments.

So this week has been both hard and beautiful.

Pain and provision.
Responsibility and calling.
Effort and grace.

And through it all, I can see God’s hand — not removing every challenge, but strengthening me to walk through them and placing blessings along the way as reminders that He is near.

And then today, in the middle of a workday, God gave me another gentle reminder. I looked out my office window and saw a small bird sitting on a bush, happily singing. It’s not spring yet, and just days ago we were in single-digit temperatures, but the sun was shining, and the air had softened — 41 degrees never felt so good. In that simple moment, I was reminded that God’s glory is all around me. Even in the middle of spreadsheets, deadlines, physical pain, and responsibilities, creation is still praising Him. It made me pause, smile, and whisper a quiet thank You.

Sometimes the blessings aren’t the big invitations or the answered prayers — sometimes they’re a bird on a bush outside your office window, reminding you that God is near.

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📖 Scripture for This Week

Romans 5:3–5 (NIV)

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been given to us.”

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read this week’s Moment of Devotion. My prayer is that you noticed God’s grace in your own life as you did.