There are moments in God when time itself seems to shift, when seasons close and new beginnings quietly but unmistakably emerge. Scripture reveals that God is not bound by time, yet He works through time to accomplish eternal purposes. And how we steward time may be one of the greatest indicators of our spiritual health.
From the opening pages of Genesis, God establishes divine order. He creates the heavens and the earth in six days, and on the seventh day, He rests, not because He was weary, but because creation was complete. The seventh day marked rest, reflection, and satisfaction in what had been accomplished.
Yet throughout Scripture and Jewish understanding, the eighth day speaks of something more—it represents new beginnings. Circumcision occurred on the eighth day. Consecration followed the eighth day. Resurrection itself unfolded after the Sabbath. The eighth day speaks prophetically of what comes after completion. It’s a fresh start, renewed purpose, and forward movement beyond what was.
We have now stepped into a new season. 2025 is behind us, and 2026 lies before us. I’m continually amazed at how quickly time passes. Time truly is one of our greatest commodities, and it must not be squandered by carrying the unnecessary weight of yesterday’s frustrations, disappointments, or unresolved burdens. If we are going to enter the next season fully equipped, we must learn to lay down what no longer belongs to us.
Mercies Made New Every Morning
Jeremiah reminds us of a powerful truth in Lamentations 3:22–24 (NKJV): “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’”
God does not ration His mercy. He does not recycle yesterday’s grace. His compassion is renewed every morning, just as manna fell fresh each day for the children of Israel. Yesterday’s manna would not sustain today’s journey. In the same way, yesterday’s revelation, strength, or faith cannot carry us indefinitely into tomorrow. We must learn to receive daily provision for present obedience.
Perspective Comes from His Presence
The presence of God has a way of recalibrating our vision. When we draw near to Him, we gain perspective, not only on where we’ve been, but on where He is leading us. Paul captures this beautifully in Romans 8, reminding us that although creation groans and we experience suffering in this present time, it is not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.
We are not merely enduring hardship, we are being formed.
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14)
This is a season of sonship. Not striving. Not bondage. Not fear. But adoption—where we cry out, “Abba, Father,” and the Spirit Himself bears witness that we are children of God. Sons and daughters who understand their identity can endure process without losing hope.
From Suffering to Glory
Romans 8 reminds us that what we see now is not the final word. God is working all things together for good not just around us, but within us, conforming us into the image of His Son. The journey often includes pressure, birth pangs, and perseverance, but glory is on the other side of obedience.
Hope that is seen is not hope. We eagerly wait for what we do not yet see, trusting the One who sees the end from the beginning.
A Generational Awakening
I believe we are entering a season where the next generation will awaken to something deeply significant and that wisdom is not found in isolation. Just as the sons of the prophets sought Elijah for divine insight, there will be a renewed hunger for the voices of seasoned men and women – those with spiritual “gray hair” who have walked with God through fire and faithfulness.
What was once dismissed will be sought again. God is restoring generational alignment, where legacy and future walk hand in hand.
Pressing Forward into What Lies Ahead
As we reflect on the past year, it’s important to acknowledge both the challenges and the grace. This has been a demanding season for many, marked by global uncertainty and personal trials. Yet woven through it all are undeniable scarlet threads of redemption, and what some call “God-winks,” reminders that God is always at work, even in the most unlikely places.
The apostle Paul gives us clear instruction in Philippians 3:13–14:
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Keep pressing into the Lord and keep pressing onward…
Doug Stringer
