Happy Friday, everyone! I was recently in a conversation with a young man who is going through a very difficult time. He kept asking me what God might want from him in order to have this season of bad and wrong failures come to an end. I replied with this one question in return: Through good and bad, right and wrong, success or failure, the question remains the same — are you going to trust Jesus through it?

Every season of life poses a question of faith. When things go well, will we trust Jesus enough to give Him the credit? When things fall apart, will we trust Him enough to hold on? The heart of discipleship is not built on comfort; it’s forged in the moments when trusting God feels the hardest.

The Scripture reminds us: “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Just like the changing leaves behind me, each season carries its own beauty and purpose. God uses both the bright colors of joy and the bare branches of challenge to shape us into who He’s calling us to be. Trusting Jesus doesn’t mean every season will make sense; it just means that believing He’s present and good in each one of them will sustain us and carry us through.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us. We know that this journey has ups and downs. It has mountaintops, and it has valleys. Remind us again today that You promise to walk with us through every one of those, and that as You walk with us, there is nothing we need to fear. Strengthen our faith, Lord; grant us that faith, that we might continue to walk through every step knowing both of Your presence, trusting in Your goodness, and trusting in where You will lead us. Ultimately, Lord, we look forward to the day when You will welcome us into Paradise. Until then, keep us walking faithfully, trusting You, and helping others along the way. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.