When we rest in God, He gives us strength to walk through our trials.   ~~~   Are you in need of a season of renewal? A friend of mine, in a very vulnerable social media post, shared it was time for him to enter a season of renewal. He lost his wife to cancer over a year ago and through his journey of grief he has beautifully shared his heart and how God has walked with Him in and out of every season. He shared that he needed a time of renewal desperately. As he put it out there on social media, he also issued a challenge in a way by saying, ‘maybe you feel the same in your life?’ Listen, I found myself deeply moved by it and I wasn’t sure exactly why. Something in my soul resonated with his words and with his honesty. I think my heart was in agreement. Yes, I’m in need of a season of renewal! Autumn is a beautiful season of transition. We tend to slow down a bit as the days grow shorter, the sun seems to shine brighter and the leaves in their vibrance fall to the ground. We breathe it in and want to light a fire in the fire put and put our feet up, but is God calling us to MORE in this season? Renewal isn’t something I focus on because I think I’m usually just trying to keep up, but if we all slow down for a minute and think about it, don’t we all need it? If you find yourself in need of a season of renewal, remember this truth. Psalm 36:5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. God loves you right where you are in this season and He is faithful. You are loved. Because of God’s great love for you He calls you to step out of the boat in areas of your life where you may need renewal. I don’t know what that looks like for you but I am praying about what it looks like for me. I am listening and as I rest in the grace and mercy of Jesus, He is showing me steps I need to take. Some of those steps aren’t easy, but where I am weak I can lean into His perfect strength to MOVE me in the areas that need renewal. The spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Friends, don’t lose heart if you feel defeated in an area of your life you need renewal. I’m so thankful God’s mercies and grace for me are new every morning. They are for you as well. We can fix our eyes on Jesus, with the start of each new day, and trust He orders our steps. As we rest IN Him, He will give us strength to walk THROUGH what we may be facing in this season as well as walk IN obedience in the areas we need to move. The beauty is that God uses it all for our good and His glory and through the process we are renewed. That’s the truth. Step into a season of renewal. I pray God shows you where He is at work IN your life as well as where He wants you to join Him. I’m Lori Cline.