Stepping Forward in Faith as One Chapter Comes to a Close - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - August 31, 2026

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

After five years of teaching high school English, I stood in my empty classroom surrounded by scattered piles of packing boxes. Some contained papers, while others held materials I thought I should hold onto (though most likely would never use again). 

Deep down, I knew it was the right decision. My principal was supportive, my co-workers were gems, and my husband was proud of me. But externally? I was shaking. I couldn’t wait to jump into writing full-time, but I was also petrified to leave what I’d always known. Have you ever been in that place? Stepping forward in faith without knowing the whole picture?

Sometimes faith feels confident. You have the twelve-step plan and carry it through to completion. Other times, faith feels like the mazes in video games that are created as you take each careful step. Both can be used by God. 

In Joshua chapter 1, Joshua steps into the role that Moses once filled. These are big shoes to fill, overflowing with enormous responsibility. And though God didn’t answer every question Joshua had about this new calling, He did repeat one truth over and over to Him in his concerns: “I will be with you.” I wonder if what you and I need to hear today really is that simple.

God’s presence is more important than having a detailed plan (even if it doesn’t feel like that in the moment). Because we don’t have to know everything about the next season to trust the One who oversees it. New chapters are often intimidating—absolutely! They require faith without sight and trust without borders. But that’s because they require dependence on someone beyond us.

Today, whether you’re changing jobs, entering retirement, finding yourself in an empty nest, becoming a parent, or beginning a new calling, transition seasons invite us to trust what we can’t see. Here are 3 practical things I do to make these transitions easier:

Grieve the Ending.
Moving from one season to the next is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to navigate. What does help is allowing yourself to grieve what you’re leaving behind. Thank God for how He worked in you where you were, and pray for Him to use you in new ways. 

Embrace the Unknown. 
Many of us who face change tend to confuse unfamiliarity with danger. Anxiety tempts us to believe that because something is new or different, it isn’t safe. New seasons can feel uncomfortable, for sure! But that doesn’t mean they’re dangerous or not, where God is leading. Keep an open heart and mind and embrace the unknown. Tell God your fears and journal about them. 

Take the Next Best Step. 
I know you want this next season to be perfect. It most likely won’t be. But what you can control is taking the next best step.   Not twelve. Not thirty-two. Just today’s step. You can do this by journaling your answers to these three questions:

• What chapter of my life is coming to a close?
• Am I clinging to what feels familiar or trusting where God leads?
• What’s one practical step I can take today to embrace this season with ease?

Let's pray ...

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for your faithfulness in this season and the new one I’m walking into. I surrender my fear about the future and ask for the courage to go wherever you may lead. When I’m scared, help me trust your presence more than my own personal clarity. Thank you for writing every chapter of my story and using me for your glory.
Amen. 

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.

Photo Credit:  ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Zbynek Pospisil

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

Related Resource: How Faith Finds Us When Life Takes a Detour

Joining us this week is worship leader turned viral comedian Heather Land. After growing up in the shadow of her mother’s decades-long addiction, Heather reflects on how this painful season—alongside her unexpected shift from the worship stage to the world of comedy—taught her that while our paths may take unforeseen turns, our core calling to encourage and uplift others remains constant.

Later in the episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Kessler, an Episcopal priest and Kenyon College chaplain who completed her PhD in medieval studies at the University of Toronto before pivoting to seminary after hitting academic burnout, then built a following as the “Nerdy Priest” on TikTok after a student secretly downloaded the app on her phone. 

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