Skip to content
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.
- Romans 8:28
Prayer is often the catalyst in which God shapes our character. So often when I pray, it is for change to make my life or the lives of those I love and care for better here on earth. And that isn’t bad. But what I’ve been convicted of is, am I praying to be more like Christ? Am I praying for God’s name to be great? Am I reflecting Him in my actions and life?
The last five years have been beyond difficult. Being divorced, was a heart-crushing and soul devastating event, that I find I still many years later have to work through still.
Over the last five years, I’ve gone through five spine surgeries. I didn’t know the body could go through pain like that and survive. I am still working through constant debilitating pain, while working full-time. I desperately want God to change my life.
I have prayed for relief for years, but what do you do when relief doesn’t come? When the outcome you prayed so hard for is a no? I have thought long and hard about that and questioned God as to why? Is it so we can identify with His sufferings and those of others and comfort them while here on earth? Trusting God is easy in the good times, when life is clicking along. But what is life like when we are left alone, with our thoughts and God’s Word?
It comes down to trust. Trusting Him in that pain that He is orchestrating growth for our good.
Seasons of change refine us. Just as gold is purified by fire, we are strengthened and shaped through challenges. Gold has to be heated extremely high to remove the impurities, so it is pure. Likewise, Christ uses trials and pain in our lives to create patience, humility, and reliance on Him. It stretches us beyond what we think we can endure and reveals strengths we did not know we had.
Transformation often requires discomfort. Change is not meant to break us, but to prepare us for greater purpose. Each transition is a step toward the person God is calling us to become. By leaning into His guidance, we emerge refined, resilient, and ready to reflect Him.
Prayer: Jesus, help me trust that every season of change is shaping to be like You. God, even though pain feels unbearable at times and my instinct is to run from it, I ask that You use it to refine me and remove anything in my life that stands in the way of Your goodness.
With Love,
Sherry Shepherd
It can be difficult to recognize God's work while you're living through change. That's why journaling is such a meaningful spiritual practice. As you write today, don't focus on having all the answers. Simply bring your heart honestly before the Lord. Record your prayers, your questions, and the ways you've already seen His faithfulness. One day, these pages may remind you that God was working all along.
Journal & Reflect
- What change am I experiencing right now?
- What emotions have surfaced during this season?
- Where have I already seen God working, even in small ways?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Romans 8:28 really mean?
Romans 8:28 assures believers that God is actively working through every circumstance—even the difficult ones—for the ultimate good of those who love Him. While not every situation is good, God can redeem every season for His purpose.
Why does God allow seasons of change?
Change often stretches our faith, deepens our dependence on God, and shapes us into the image of Christ. Even when we don't understand His timing, God is always at work.
How does journaling help during uncertain seasons?
Writing your prayers and reflections helps you process emotions honestly while creating a lasting record of God's faithfulness. Looking back often reveals how God was working long before you recognized it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that You are working in every detail of my life, even when I can't see the outcome. Help me trust Your heart when I don't understand Your plans. Give me peace during seasons of uncertainty and confidence that You are shaping me according to Your purpose. Teach me to surrender what I cannot control and to faithfully follow wherever You lead. Thank You for never wasting a single part of my story.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Message from Kara
If you're anything like me, change can feel uncomfortable. I naturally want to know what's coming next and understand why God is allowing certain seasons.
But one thing I've learned over the years is that some of my greatest spiritual growth happened during the chapters I would have gladly skipped.
Looking back through my journals, I see evidence of God's faithfulness on pages that were once filled with uncertainty. He truly was working everything together—even when I couldn't see it at the time.
If you're walking through change today, keep trusting Him. He isn't just changing your circumstances—He's shaping your heart. And He is always faithful.
With love & gratitude,
Kara 🤍
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Sharon's Monarch Personalized Scripture Journal
If you want to grow deeper in your daily life and reflection, these devotionals can help:
Daily Devotional • Jesus Understands My Struggles • Hebrews 4:14
