Renew our minds. Sharpen our discernment . Help us to best steward the gifts God has given us.
A Season of Transition: An Invitation to Pray Together
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...” — Romans 12:2 (KJV)
Dear Friends,
If you haven't heard, we sold our family home in Littleton, Colorado, last week. While I am grateful that the sale is complete, the process was more emotional and complicated than I anticipated.
Selling a family home means saying goodbye to more than a house. It means letting go of a place filled with memories, hopes, dreams, and experiences some beautiful and others difficult. Add to that the complexities of a second marriage and blended family, traveling between Denver and Dallas to prepare the house, and, just for fun, a positive COVID test the week of closing. Good grief.
As many of you know, this has been a season of significant transitions and smaller, cumulative losses: moving to Texas, undergoing a hysterectomy, losing a beloved pet, shifting ministry, and experiencing changes in relationships and community.
Through it all, I continue to trust the Lord and remain committed to following wherever He leads. But I would be less than truthful if I said the uncertainty was always easy. At this moment, I cannot even tell you which city I will be living in three months.
Yet, in the midst of so much uncertainty, I believe the Lord is intentionally teaching me some important lessons. And perhaps He is teaching you some of these same lessons.
1. Renewing Our Minds Daily
I am learning that I must be intentional about what I allow to occupy my thoughts.
When anxiety, discouragement, or feelings of sadness begin to take root, I have a choice. I can dwell on the uncertainty, or I can turn to the Lord through prayer, Scripture, and the renewing of my mind.
Romans 12:2 reminds us that transformation comes through the renewing of our minds. And 2 Corinthians 10:5 encourages us to bring our thoughts into obedience to Christ.
This does not mean pretending that difficult emotions do not exist. It means acknowledging them while choosing to anchor ourselves in God's truth rather than allowing fear or uncertainty to direct our lives.
I sense the Lord calling me to pray bigger, more Scripture-centered prayers, not only for myself, but also for others who may need encouragement.
2. Sharpening Our Discernment
The second lesson is learning to discern more carefully where God wants me, who He wants me spending time with, what He wants me doing, and how He wants me serving.
Recently, I happened to hear Reese Witherspoon (yep!) share a thought that caught my attention: rather than chasing our dreams, we should consider pursuing our talents.
That made me think about the gifts and abilities God has entrusted to each of us.
There are countless good things we could do. There are people we could help, opportunities we could pursue, and needs we could meet.
But just because we can do something doesn't necessarily mean God is calling us to do it in this season.
I want to become more discerning about the difference between a good opportunity and a God-directed assignment.
James 1:5 reminds us that when we lack wisdom, we can ask God, who gives generously.
3. Being Faithful Stewards of Our Gifts and Time
Finally, I believe the Lord is teaching me to be a better steward of the gifts, talents, relationships, opportunities, and time He has entrusted to me.
First Peter 4:10 reminds us to use the gifts we have received to serve one another as faithful stewards of God's grace.
Time is one of our most precious resources. Once spent, we cannot get it back.
I don't want to fill my days simply because there are good things to do. I want to spend my time doing what God has actually called me to do.
Sometimes that may mean stepping forward boldly. Other times, it may mean waiting, resting, releasing an opportunity, or trusting God when the next step is not yet clear.
My prayer is that I will be faithful with what God has placed in my hands today, without becoming consumed by what tomorrow may hold.
An Invitation to Pray Together
I know I am not the only one navigating a season of change, uncertainty, or discernment. And even if you are not personally experiencing a transition, perhaps someone you love is.
I would love for us to encourage one another through prayer.
I am preparing a short, Scripture-centered prayer video that you can watch and pray along with whenever it is convenient for you.
Together, we will pray for:
Renewed minds: That our thoughts will be grounded in God's truth rather than fear, anxiety, or uncertainty.
Sharpened discernment: That we will recognize God's direction, distinguish His assignments from distractions, and walk in wisdom.
Faithful stewardship: That we will use our time, relationships, gifts, and talents for the purposes He has entrusted to us.
My hope is that these prayers will encourage us to seek the Lord more intentionally, pray boldly, and support one another as we follow Him.
We do not have to know every detail of what comes next. We simply need to remain faithful to the One who does.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (KJV)
I would be honored to have you pray alongside me.
With love and prayers,
Jaquetta
A special thank you to Lydia Gillis for capturing this beautiful photo! 🤍
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