I find myself once more in my makeshift car-office, laptop balanced and thoughts turning to the road behind and the path ahead. Seasons come when we pause and take stock. Life shifts. What once felt certain can change in a moment. The plans we trusted meet realities we never saw coming. My mind returns to those nine months in England, a season marked by hope and the pursuit of a new beginning.
There are seasons in life that strip away illusion faster than any sermon ever could.
“In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:5). Our identity does not begin with what we do, achieve, lose, or prove, but with the Father who has welcomed us in Christ.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12. This promise helps frame the deeper question behind every hard season: what does it mean to hold on to faith when life does not ease quickly?
“He had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron, until what he had said came to pass; the word of the Lord tested him.” Psalm 105:17 to 19 ESV. Some seasons feel quiet and hidden, yet God still forms His purposes in the unseen.
Last Saturday, I attended a church seminar in the city, which marked my second visit to London since arriving in the UK at the beginning of September. That afternoon, on my way back to Kent, I decided to take the opportunity for a quick stroll around Embankment.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15, ESV) For years, I believed in God. I confessed faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I was baptised before I knew Christ. Those words may sound strange, but they mark the beginning of my own journey from tradition to living faith.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34, ESV) We hear certain words in church so often that their weight can slip past us. “Follow Jesus.” The phrase sounds gentle, almost safe. But when Jesus spoke it, He was not offering a label. He was calling us to surrender, to obedience, to a life reshaped by His love and purpose.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, ESV)
Over the past few days, God has reminded me that I cannot walk safely or serve fruitfully through effort alone. In two ordinary moments, the Holy Spirit met me with peace and guidance, and He proved His nearness again.
Recently, a short but deeply confronting teaching by Louis Giglio found its way to me. The title was simple: “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table.” Yet the implication carried real spiritual weight. Giglio uses the imagery of a dinner table to describe the inner place of conversation, influence, and authority in a believer’s life.
Weekly encouragement from Scripture
Read the latest uplifting message or join our A Word for the Week W/A group for an upbuilding message at the start of each week—these short devotionals have a long shelf life for all seasons.
By Jacques MunnikMinister, Teacher, and Founder of Evangelical Universe Ministries
By Jacques MunnikMinister, Teacher, and Founder of Evangelical Universe Ministries
By Jacques MunnikMinister, Teacher, and Founder of Evangelical Universe Ministries
“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’”Luke 9:23 (ESV)
- This week's edition is by Caroline Munnik -
“And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”Acts 9:31 (ESV). When I first came to Christ, I stumbled over a word that echoed through Scripture.
