Read: James 1:16-18
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (v. 17)
Over the last two weeks, we’ve considered many seasons in life. In every season, whether according to the calendar, our circumstances, or our stage in life, we experience change. What happens to us and our response to it produces change in us and potentially to those around us. We have the opportunity to emerge from every season with either a deeper reliance on God or a deeper need for control.
With God, there is no variance, no change, no uncertainty. Today’s Bible reading reminds us that when shadows pass over us, what we saw plainly before changes. Clarity is distorted and details are hidden until the light shines again. With God there is no shadow, no reason for us to question him or his faithfulness to us. The giver of all perfect gifts “is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
As recorded in John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” For Christ followers, his light is always available to us, and it empowers us to be bearers of light in a dark world (Phil. 2:15). When our seasons are marked by change, we can rely on his light to chase away the shadows and make clear the path before us.
As you pray, ask God to provide you with direction and peace when changes come.
Joy Petroelje serves as the Advancement Operations Manager for CURE International, a global nonprofit organization. Aside from work, she enjoys spending time with her family, coffee with friends, reading, and traveling local trails on foot.
